The Department of Justice (DOJ) is reviewing the United States’ request to extradite Kingdom of Jesus Christ leader Apollo Quiboloy, with Malacañang saying Tuesday that the department is still assessing the documents submitted by US authorities.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the DOJ is examining the voluminous records accompanying the extradition request to determine whether the legal requirements for the process are met.
“Sa ngayon, ang DOJ ay kasalukuyan pa pong binubusisi, inaaral, ina-assess ang bulto-bultong dokumento na naipasa sa kanila,” Castro said during a Palace press briefing.
Among the matters being assessed is whether the person identified in the US request is indeed Quiboloy and whether the principle of double criminality applies.
Under the principle, the offenses for which a person is sought for extradition must also be considered criminal offenses under the laws of the country receiving the request.
Castro said the DOJ is expected to act as soon as possible, although the volume of documents has made the review extensive.
“So, hintayin po natin kung kailan matatapos pero alam nila na ito ay agaran na dapat magkaroon ng desisyon,” she said.
The US request stems from a 2021 indictment filed in California against Quiboloy, which includes charges involving sex trafficking of minors, fraud and bulk cash smuggling.
The Philippines and the United States have an extradition treaty signed in November 1994 that governs requests for the surrender of individuals wanted for prosecution or to serve sentences.
Under Article 11 of the treaty, the requested country may temporarily surrender a person sought for extradition if the individual is being prosecuted or serving a sentence in the requested country.
If the extradition request is granted and Quiboloy is surrendered to US authorities, the treaty provides that he may be returned to the Philippines after the conclusion of the proceedings against him.
For now, the DOJ has yet to make a determination on the US request as it continues its legal and documentary review.
Photo courtesy of Children’s Joy Foundation Org
Comments