Once untouchable Philippine pastor Quiboloy to face the music

Apollo Quiboloy (centre) is escorted beside Philippine Secretary of Interior and Local Government Benhur Abalos (left) during a press conference at the Camp Crame police headquarters in Quezon City on Sept 9, 2024. - AP

MANILA: Apollo Quiboloy, the self-proclaimed "Appointed Son of God" who founded a church in the Philippines called the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), faces a dramatic fall from grace as criminal cases cast a shadow on his once untouchable image.

Revered by his followers as a divine figure capable of supernatural feats, Quiboloy wields influence beyond the pulpit and into the highest levels of politics, with presidential candidates seeking his blessing.