Quiboloy’s Senate bid hit snags as party disclaims support

National

PASTOR Apollo Quiboloy’s campaign for a Senate seat in the upcoming elections has hit significant roadblocks as officials from the Workers and Peasants Party (WPP) have publicly stated that they did not authorize his candidacy.

Quiboloy, who submitted his certificate of candidacy (COC) last Tuesday through his lawyer, Mark Tolentino, claimed he would run under the WPP banner.

However, WPP president and senatorial hopeful Sonny Matula clarified that he had no knowledge of who signed Quiboloy’s certificate of nomination and acceptance (CONA).

“I am not aware of who signed his CONA. Only three individuals are authorized to sign on behalf of WPP: the Chair, the President, and the Senior Vice President. As President, I can confirm that I did not sign any CONA for Quiboloy,” Matula wrote on his X (formerly Twitter) account.

He further mentioned that both the chair, Atty. Ariel Arias, and the senior vice president, Dr. Oscar Morado, also denied signing a CONA for the detained pastor.

Matula announced that an investigation is underway to determine how Quiboloy obtained the certificate.

He emphasized that Quiboloy does not have the official endorsement of WPP and is not a party member.

In a report by Philippine Star, Tolentino, representing Quiboloy, claimed he signed the CONA.

He insisted that he is the legitimate president of the WPP and asserted that they have documentation from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) affirming their legitimacy.

Despite the party’s disavowal, Tolentino indicated they may appeal to the Comelec to allow Quiboloy to run as an independent candidate.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia noted that the election body relies on documents submitted by candidates regarding their party affiliations.

He clarified that the absence of a CONA is not a definitive basis for disqualifying a candidate.

Garcia also encouraged the WPP to file a formal complaint if they believe Quiboloy improperly obtained a CONA, allowing the commission to investigate the matter further.

Meanwhile, Quiboloy’s camp expressed confidence that their leader will win the Senate race.

Tolentino added that his platform will focus on protecting religious freedom and promoting “God-centered, Philippine-centered and Filipino-centered” governance, especially in the legislation process.

If Quiboloy would be allowed by Comelec to run for the senatorial race, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has emphasized that he cannot organize any campaigns outside his cell and has been barred from campaigning through social media since gadgets are not allowed inside the PNP Custodial Center.(CMM)