Officially withdrawing his nomination under the Workers’ and Peasants’ Party (WPP) for the forthcoming 2025 senators, Televangelist and Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Apollo Quiboloy. It was decided to steer clear of any possible complications resulting from WPP internal party disputes. Quiboloy withdrew from the party’s nomination after his legal counsel, Atty. Mark Tolentino, indicated in a letter sent to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Monday that Quiboloy no longer wanted to be involved in the internal conflicts of the WPP.
Tolentino stated, referencing Quiboloy’s worries about being drawn into any internal party conflict, “Para walang problema kasi baka may intra-party dispute, ayaw ma-involve ni Pastor.” Quiboloy wants to prevent any possible conflict or obstacles resulting from factional conflicts inside the party by separating from the WPP.
Appreciations for WPP and Campaign Plans
Quiboloy appreciated the WPP for its nomination and support even if he decided to run alone. Tolentino underlined that Quiboloy’s campaign will stay centered on his basic platform, which is pro-God, pro-filipino, and pro-Philippines despite this shift of direction. “Nagpapasalamat pa rin si Pastor sa nomination and he will maintain pro-God, pro-filipino, and pro-Philippines platform of government,” Tolentino said to reporters, stressing Quiboloy’s unwavering political values. Running as an independent does not imply Quiboloy will lack tools or support.
Tolentino said boldly that Quiboloy’s candidacy might flourish without political party support. “With or without a party, Pastor Quiboloy can run a campaign,” Tolentino said, implying Quiboloy’s capacity to organize his funds and followers, many of whom are members of his large religious congregation.
Sonny Matula Celebrates Quiboloy’s Leaving WPP
Sonny Matula, a fellow senate candidate running under the WPP flag, replied favorably to Quiboloy’s choice to drop from the party nomination. Matula made it quite evident that Quiboloy or his counsel were not ready to utilize the WPP for political wriggles. Matula added in his statement, “Sa tingin ko, isang positibong pangyayari ito. Hindi namin papayagan na gamitin kami o ihijack ni Pastor Apollo Quiboloy o ng kanyang mga tagapayo ang WPP bilang pantakip sa anumang pampulitikang plano nila.”
Matula also declared categorically that there is no faction or strife inside the WPP, therefore dispelling speculations of any differences among the party. “Nais ko ring linawin na walang anumang paksiyon sa Workers’s and Peasants’s Party (WPP). Ang pahayag na mayroong alitan sa partido ay walang batayan at produkto lamang ng kanilang malikot na pampulitikang imahinasyon,” Matula said, stressing the unity of the party and refuting assertions of internal conflict inside the WPP.
Comelec’s Reaction to Quiboloy’s Pull-off
Clarifying that Quiboloy’s candidacy is not directly impacted by his withdrawal from the WPP nomination, Comelec Chairman George Garcia answered questions. Garcia clarified that the Comelec’s current determination on the list of 66 qualified senators, which still comprises Quiboloy, is unaffected by the renouncing of the WPP’s candidacy. “Walang impact everywhere based on nilabas name resolusyon. Now, it is entirely different if someone files a petition against a candidate.
Nevertheless, in the meantime we have not received any specific petition, kung yun lang ay pagtatanggal ng nomination; it does not affect the determination of the law department or the Comelec en banc in general,” Garcia said. Although Quiboloy’s departure from the WPP begs concerns, he stressed that unless a formal petition is made, it does not constitutionally prohibit him from running as an independent candidate. Matula wants Quiboloy to be disqualified.
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Separately, Matula has petitioned the Comelec asking to have Quiboloy disqualified from the senate contest. Emphasizing “material representation,” Matula’s appeal requests the annulment of Quiboloy’s Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance (CONA). Matula said that Quiboloy should be disqualified as a nuisance candidate since the CONA he turned in under the WPP was illegal. This judicial fight emphasizes the ongoing conflicts between the televangelist and the labor leader.
Matula underlined also that the party had not approved the publication of the CONA and that Quiboloy’s nomination was inappropriate. In his petition, Quiboloy claimed that his nomination under the WPP was null and void from the beginning, therefore casting major legal doubts over the validity of his appointment. The argument became more intense when Quiboloy’s camp also filed a petition asking that Matula and nine other WPP candidates be designated nuisance candidates, therefore adding still another level of complication to the already contentious political struggle.
Quiboloy’s Will to Proceed
Quiboloy is unflinching in his choice to run for senate despite the difficulties and questions about his candidacy. Notwithstanding political challenges, Atty. Tolentino reaffirmed that Quiboloy is entirely ready to start his senatorial campaign and stays dedicated to his platform. Tolentino further intimated that Quiboloy is ready to organize his base to back his political bid and has great support inside his religious group.
Quiboloy’s path in the 2025 senate race is predicted to keep attracting major public attention as he changes his candidacy from party-nominated to independent. The court fights, political wrangling, and strong influence of his religious following all point to a controversial and carefully watched campaign as the election season gets hot.
