Matula, WPP file SC petition to block Quiboloy’s senatorial run

Labor leader and senatorial candidate Sonny Matula along with the Workers' and Peasants' Party (WPP) filed a petition with the Supreme Court on Wednesday to block Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) founder Apollo Quiboloy from running for senator.

Matula argues that the Commission on Elections should reverse its decision allowing Quiboloy to run due to ongoing human trafficking and child abuse cases against him, as well as his use of the electoral process to evade accountability.

The petition requests the court to declare Quiboloy a nuisance candidate in the 2025 elections for material misrepresentation and pending legal issues both locally and internationally.

Quiboloy is currently facing charges under Republic Act 9208 for qualified human trafficking and under Republic Act 7610 for child abuse, among other offenses.

Comelec Chairperson George Garcia stated that the matter is up to the Supreme Court to decide after the Comelec First Division dismissed Matula's petition in December 2024.

The petition underscores concerns over Quiboloy's candidacy undermining the credibility of the elections and his strategic use of the electoral process to evade legal challenges.