Pasig court orders ocular inspections of KOJC properties

A Pasig court on Friday ordered ocular inspections of Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) properties in Davao, Quezon City, and Pasig City to gain a clearer understanding of the premises identified in the qualified trafficking case against the religious group's founder, Apollo Quiboloy, and other co-accused.

In a 9-page order dated March 27, the Pasig Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 159 granted the motion of the prosecution and ordered ocular inspections of the following:

• Local congregation of the KOJC in Pasig City, where the private complainant was allegedly recruited at 12 years old and engaged in activities involving remittance of tithes and participation in organized activities
• KOJC Sauyo compound in Quezon City, where she was allegedly baptized as a member of the KOJC
• KOJC compound in Davao City, where the private complainant allegedly stayed for three years and allegedly participated in religious obligations, solicitation and fundraising, physical labor, selling food products, collecting offerings, and performance of household chores under the guise of religious service
• Jose Maria College in Davao City, where the complainant pursued her studies
• KOJC dormitory in Davao City, where the private complainant resided during her stay at the KOJC compound
• KOJC Bible school building in Davao City, where she claimed the acts of sexual abuse by Quiboloy occurred

The RTC stated that during her cross-examination, the complainant sketched the relevant areas within the KOJC compound. 

It said that while the sketch aids the RTC in understanding the layout and relative locations, it remains limited to the complainant's recollection.

"Here, the Court finds it necessary to conduct an ocular inspection of the following subject premises, as such inspection will materially assist the Court in obtaining a clearer and more accurate understanding of the locations where the alleged offenses… were purportedly committed, and of the manner in which these properties were allegedly utilized as instruments in the commission of the offenses," it said.

According to the court, the ocular inspections of the properties located in Pasig and Quezon City will be on April 27 while the inspection on properties in Davao will be on May 18.

"The prosecution and counsels for all the accused are likewise directed to be present during the conduct of the ocular inspection," it said.

This came after the prosecution asked the RTC to conduct an ocular inspection, arguing that this will allow the court to better appreciate the evidence presented in Quiboloy’s qualified trafficking case on sexual exploitation and labor trafficking.

The RTC stressed that the inspection is authorized only to help the court in clearing a doubt, reaching a conclusion, or finding the truth.

"But it is not the main trial nor should it exclude the presentation of other evidence which the parties may deem necessary to establish their case," it said.

GMA News Online has asked Quiboloy's camp for comment.

Quiboloy is also facing charges under Section 5(b) and  Section 10(a) of Republic Act 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act. — VDV, GMA Integrated News