Metro Manila, Philippines – The Workers’ and Peasants’ Party (WPP) will challenge detained religious leader Apollo Quiboloy’s senatorial bid before the Supreme Court, its president Sonny Matula said on Sunday, Dec. 29.
The move came after the Commission on Elections (Comelec) en banc upheld its initial ruling to not disqualify the pastor, denying Matula’s petition. Matula said Quiboloy’s certificate of candidacy under WPP was not signed by a legitimate group member.
READ: Quiboloy to join Senate race as independent bet
“This is not just a technical lapse—it’s a blatant mockery and trivialization of the electoral process,” WPP leaders were quoted as saying. “It shows a complete lack of respect for the rules that are supposed to ensure a fair and orderly election.”
For the group, Comelec’s decision “rewards a lawbreaker.”
It added that Quiboloy’s actions show a “troubling” precedent in which influential people can disregard rules.
“What does this say to ordinary candidates and the public? That the rules are optional if you’re powerful enough? This is exactly why we’re compelled to take this matter to the Supreme Court,” Matula said.
Quiboloy, facing child abuse and human trafficking charges, has been detained at the Pasig City Jail.
READ: TIMELINE: Legal challenges hounding Pastor Apollo Quiboloy
NewsWatch Plus correspondent Daniza Fernandez contributed to this report.
