Court denies Quiboloy's request for house arrest

The Pasig City Regional Trial Court Branch 159 denied Kingdom of Jesus Christ leader Pastor Apollo Quiboloy's request for house arrest on Wednesday, March 12.

Acting Presiding Judge Rainelda Estacio-Montesa stated in a decision that mere conjectures about potential health deterioration while in detention are insufficient to justify house arrest and emphasized that medical access can be provided at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) facility where Quiboloy is currently detained.

Representative Ernix Dionisio Jr. and Jay Khonghun agreed with the court's decision, stating that providing special treatment for Quiboloy would set a dangerous precedent.

Quiboloy had requested house arrest at three locations: Garden of Eden Restored in Davao City, KOJC Compound in Quezon City, and Tagaytay City, citing his medical condition and humanitarian reasons.

The court also rejected the invocation of the Nelson Mandela Rules to support his motion for house arrest, stating that these rules only prescribe minimum standards for the treatment of prisoners and are not intended to establish a legal basis for house arrest.

Quiboloy faces charges under Republic Act No. 9208 and RA 7610, with the next hearing scheduled for March 21.