“Compelling reasons” prompted the Supreme Court (SC) to order the transfer of the criminal cases for child abuse and exploitation filed against Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) founder Apollo C. Quiboloy from the regional trial court (RTC) in Davao City to the Quezon City RTC.
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The transfer of the case was sought by Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla in a letter dated April 4, 2024.
Among other things, Remulla cited that “the significance of the subject cases extends beyond the local context, touching on broader national policies, public interest, and security concerns.”
In the Davao City RTC case, Quiboloy and his five co-accused were charged with violations of Section 5(b) and Section 10(a) of Republic Act (RA) No. 7610, the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.
Read the full story¹ (See footnotes)
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In the one case² the Supreme Court also granted the request of the Sec. of Justice to transfer venue of criminal cases for compelling reason, and to avoid miscarriage of justice, thus:
"On December 3, 2009, Secretary of Justice Devanadera transmitted her letter to Chief Justice Puno requesting the transfer of the venue of the trial of the Maguindanao massacre from Cotabato City to Metro Manila, either in Quezon City or in Manila, to prevent a miscarriage of justice.6 On December 8, 2009, the Court granted the request for the transfer of venue."
LEGAL BASIS
ART. III, SEC. 5 (par. 4) of 1987, Constitution.³
FOOTNOTES
³ "SECTION 5. The Supreme Court shall have the following powers:
x x x
(4) Order a change of venue or place of trial to avoid a miscarriage of justice."
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