Pasig court denies Quiboloy’s hospital arrest bid—again
A Pasig City court has denied for the second time televangelist Apollo Quiboloy’s bid for hospital arrest, saying his medical needs were being “adequately and consistently” attended to while he’s in detention at the Pasig City Jail.
“[H]e continues to receive appropriate, timely, and sufficient medical care at the Pasig City General Hospital, under the supervision of competent medical professionals,” the Pasig City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 159 said in a four-page order dated Oct. 8.
Quiboloy is facing a nonbailable charge of qualified human trafficking at the Pasig RTC for allegedly subjecting to sexual exploitation a minor who was a member of his Kingdom of Jesus Christ religious sect.
He asked to be put in hospital arrest either at the Philippine Heart Center or Medical City supposedly due to the persistent shortness of breath, intermittent fever, muscle pain and cough he experienced while in detention.
Quiboloy also pointed to his advanced age, severe medical conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and recurrent bouts of pneumonia, as well as his multiple hospitalizations since November 2024.
“Invoking the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (Mandela Rules), accused Quiboloy maintains that the State must ensure access to health care for persons deprived of liberty,” said the order by acting Presiding Judge Rainelda Estacio-Montesa.
Mere iterations
The prosecution opposed Quiboloy’s motion, arguing that his concerns were mere iterations of those that he already raised in the denied motion for house arrest earlier this year.
State prosecutors likewise asserted that his advanced age and medical condition did not make him different from other detainees, who were also suffering from equal or serious health issues.
In denying Quiboloy’s motion, the Pasig RTC cited a Sept. 30 report indicating that Quiboloy’s attending physician at the Pasig City General Hospital noted improvements in his vital signs and that he had no complaints regarding his health since Sept. 24.
It pointed out that Quiboloy was also cleared for discharge by the pulmonary, cardiology, and nephrology services on Sept. 25 and Sept. 26.
“In view of the foregoing, the court finds no compelling reason to place accused Quiboloy under hospital arrest at either Philippine Heart Center or Medical City,” the court said.
