A FORMER member of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) on Wednesday revealed how Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy allegedly exploited children, demanding a P15 million quota during Christmas through caroling.
During her testimony at the Senate committee on women, children, family relations and gender equality investigation, Teresita Valdehueza stated that Christmas caroling was a major source of income for the KOJC, with all members required to participate.
“Many workers and members suffered during caroling and soliciting from people everywhere in our country. Some died, some had accidents, some were imprisoned, and some were even raped, but these incidents were not reported because they might not be believed,” Valdehueza said.
“I also had a quota of P10 to P15 million to raise in the month of December alone. I organized the nationwide caroling to meet my quota. We recruited and trafficked our young people from Mindanao and Visayas to carol in the provinces of Luzon and in the National Capital Region cities,” she added.
Valdehueza further claimed that many students were forced to skip school starting in November to raise funds, prioritizing the church’s needs. She stated that no member could question where the money collected from caroling went.
Valdehueza revealed this in front of KOJC founder Quiboloy, who attended the Senate probe. Quiboloy denied all allegations against him.
NO POLICY
“We have no policy that children should beg,” he said.
“No. That’s not true,” he replied to Senator Risa Hontiveros’ question about whether he ordered children to beg, despite the group having no such policy.
Following this, several members also disclosed that after December, they were required to sell rice cakes as an offering to Alay kay Kristo, raise funds, collect love offerings, television pledges, tithes, and more.
From February to October, the logistics department, through ministry associations, was required to solicit funds.
“The supposed income that should be given to the beneficiaries of the associations wasn’t really given truthfully and honestly. Only a little portion of the income was shared to the beneficiaries,” Valdehueza said.
“Other workers, on the other hand, continuously sold pastries with a quota of P500-P1000 per day from Monday to Saturday,” she continued.
Quiboloy is facing charges of qualified human trafficking, violating Section 4(a) of Republic Act No. 9208, in the Pasig court. He is also facing charges for violating Section 5(b) and Section 10(a) of Republic Act 7610, or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act.
