Apollo Quiboloy, a detained pastor, plans to run as an independent candidate for senator in the May 2025 elections after declining the Workers and Peasants Party (WPP) nomination. Quiboloy, who has been listed as one of 66 eligible candidates by the Commission on Elections (Comelec), decided to withdraw from the party due to an ongoing internal conflict.
Despite his departure from the WPP, Quiboloy’s legal counsel, Mark Tolentino, stated that he can mount a national campaign without party backing. Tolentino, the president of the WPP, also mentioned that the party will continue to support Quiboloy.
Comelec Chairman George Garcia said that Quiboloy’s candidacy is permitted because no final decision has been made regarding his ongoing criminal charges, which include allegations of child abuse and human trafficking. Sonny Matula, a labor leader, had previously filed a petition to declare Quiboloy a nuisance candidate, but no additional petitions challenging his qualification have been submitted.
