The human rights group Samahan ng mga Ex-Detainees Laban sa Detensyon at Aresto (SELDA) has criticized the alleged “VIP treatment” given to controversial religious leader and senatorial candidate Apollo Quiboloy after his campaign message was aired at his party’s rally.
According to SELDA, the incident highlights a “double standard” in the treatment of detainees, arguing that while strict regulations apply to ordinary prisoners, exceptions seem to have been made for Quiboloy. The religious leader is currently facing charges of human trafficking and child abuse.
The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) defended the airing of Quiboloy’s campaign video, stating that it was legally approved by the court and that they were merely following orders.
BJMP further clarified that the video was not recorded inside the detention facility but at the Pasig City General Hospital, where Quiboloy has been confined since January due to pneumonia and hypertension.
Meanwhile, Quiboloy’s legal counsel, Atty. Israelito Torreon, maintained that the charges against him do not strip him of his political rights as a candidate.
The controversy has reignited debates over fairness in the justice system, especially in the treatment of high-profile detainees.
