Pasig RTC junks Quiboloy's request for hospital arrest

By Richielyn Canlas

Published Oct 23, 2025 04:40 pm

Apollo Quiboloy (FILE PHOTO)

The request of the detained Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) founder Apollo Quiboloy to be placed under hospital arrest was denied by the Pasig Regional Trial Court (RTC) 159 due to lack of merit.

The RTC order stated that Quiboloy requested to be placed under hospital arrest at either the Philippine Heart Center or The Medical City, citing persistent shortness of breath, intermittent fever, muscle pain, and cough while detained at the Pasig City Jail.

He also said that, at age 75, he has several medical conditions, including hypertension, type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation, dyslipidemia, pulmonary tuberculosis, and recurrent pneumonia.

However, the court said it found no compelling reason to place Quiboloy under hospital arrest at either the Philippine Heart Center or The Medical City.

It stated that on Sept. 30, Jail Superintendent Lloyd F. Gonzaga of the Pasig City Jail submitted a progress report, which included a clinical abstract from Quiboloy's attending physician at Pasig City General Hospital, Dr. Romeo O. Labao Jr., along with the results of his medical and diagnostic exams conducted at the Philippine Heart Center.

In the clinical abstract, the doctor noted that Quiboloy’s vital signs had improved and that he had had no health complaints since Sept. 24, 2025. He was also cleared for discharge by the pulmonary, cardiology, and nephrology services on Sept. 25 and 26, 2025, respectively.

“The records clearly establish that his medical needs are being adequately and consistently attended to while in the custody of the Pasig City Jail, and that he continues to receive appropriate, timely, and sufficient medical care at the Pasig City General Hospital, under the supervision of competent medical professionals,” it said.

The court also reiterated that Quiboloy's age and medical condition do not distinguish him from other detainees at the Pasig City Jail, many of whom suffer from similar or serious health issues.

“It maintains that detention is a direct consequence of the charges filed against accused Quiboloy, and that neither his age nor his medical condition warrants preferential treatment,” it explained.

Quiboloy is currently facing a non-bailable qualified human trafficking charge under Section 4(a) of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003, as amended, before the Pasig court.

The Davao City-based religious leader is also facing charges under Section 5(b) and Section 10(a) of the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act.