DOJ: Extradition unlikely with pending local case

The Department of Justice (DOJ) clarified that individuals generally cannot be extradited from the Philippines while a criminal case against them is pending in local courts.

DOJ spokesperson Mico Clavano stated that local courts take precedence, and a person must first face trial and serve their sentence in the Philippines before extradition can proceed.

This clarification comes in light of a reported extradition request from the United States for religious leader Apollo Quiboloy.

The US has formally sought Quiboloy's extradition, who faces accusations from the US government related to sex trafficking, while he also has a qualified human trafficking case pending in the Philippines.

Philippine Ambassador to Washington Jose Manuel Romualdez reportedly confirmed that US authorities have submitted supporting documents to the DOJ and are awaiting a formal response from Manila.

Despite the general rule, courts retain the authority to expedite proceedings if circumstances necessitate it, to avoid undue delay in valid extradition requests.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla stated he would know more about the matter later.