The camp of Apollo Quiboloy opposed the prosecutors’ use of the plea bargain entered by a human resource manager of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) abroad in the cases against the controversial televangelist.
“It has no bearing here legally in so far as the cases here in the Philippines are concerned,” said Israelito Torreon, Quiboloy’s legal counsel, in Jun Veneracion’s report on “24 Oras” Friday.
Marissa Duenas earlier agreed to plead guilty to the conspiracy charge to defraud the US in exchange for a reduced sentence.
Duenas admitted to reaching an agreement with others to commit marriage fraud.
Plea bargaining is a system in the US where the prosecution negotiates with the defense so the case trial will not be extended for a long time.
But Torreon said that Duenas’ plea bargain could be used to defend Quiboloy in his cases abroad. This includes conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion, sex trafficking of children, and bulk cash smuggling.
“The fact that the US government offered to drop the three serious charges against the leader (Duenas), who is personally present in the day-to-day activities in the US, is a good sign for Pastor Apollo,” he said.
Duenas’ legal team earlier said that she would not help any government to put Quiboloy or any KOJC member on trial, noting that she remains loyal to the religious group.
In response to the Senate’s call on Quiboloy to attend the investigation into his human trafficking and sexual abuse cases, Torreon said that they will file a motion before the court.—Vince Ferreras/LDF, GMA Integrated News
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