A FILIPINO televangelist who has been indicted in the United States for sex trafficking and other charges endorsed on Tuesday the presidential candidacy of the late dictator’s son Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr. and his running mate, Sara Duterte-Carpio.

Apollo C. Quiboloy, President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s spiritual adviser who founded a Philippine-based church called Kingdom of Jesus Christ, made the announcement during a send-off ceremony at the compound of his church in Davao City, where Ms. Duterte is currently mayor. 

The self-proclaimed “appointed son of God” also endorsed senatorial candidates former presidential spokesman Herminio “Harry” L. Roque, Jr. and Jose Pimentel “Jinggoy” Estrada, who is still facing plunder and graft charges involving pork barrel funds. The former senator was released on bail in 2017 after spending three years in jail. 

“Quiboloy’s endorsement is expected given that he is a kingmaker in Mindanao and a known supporter of the Dutertes and traditional politicians,” said Maria Ela L. Atienza, a political science professor at the University of the Philippines. 

Ms. Atienza, however, said the church’s “reach is only in Mindanao and certain groups of overseas Filipino workers.”

“He and his church are now challenged by court cases and other controversies,” she said. “His endorsement will likely turn off more discerning Filipino voters. 

Mr. Quiboloy last year was indicted along with two US-based church administrators by a federal grand jury for allegedly coercing women as young as 12 to have sex with the religious leader.

Mr. Duterte’s spokesman, Karlo Alexei B. Nograles, said last year the Philippines would cooperate if the US requests the religious leader’s extradition.    

ROBREDO
Meanwhile, former Cabinet officials, retired ambassadors, and former military chiefs who served under the administration of the late Benigno S.C. Aquino III released a joint statement on Tuesday backing the presidential run of Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” G. Robredo. 

They said the country needs a leadership that “ensures the safety and well-being of all its citizens while respecting human rights and the rule of law and where law enforcers thus evoke trust and a sense of security.”

They added that the country needs a kind of governance that is committed to protecting the country’s sovereignty and “one that earns the response of the community of nations.”

Progressive coalition Makabayan recently backed Ms. Robredo’s candidacy — the first time it endorsed a presidential candidate from the Liberal Party, which was formerly chaired by Mr. Aquino.

Ms. Robredo, who still chairs the liberal group, is running as an independent candidate.

Mr. Marcos, who is leading pre-election surveys, earlier said he still wants Mr. Duterte’s endorsement even after the latter called him a “weak” leader. 

Presidential candidates Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” M. Domagoso and Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson have also sought the presidential endorsement. — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza

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