Jesus will ‘kick’ a sex trafficker on face

By Alex P. Vidal

“For what shall it profit a man, if he gain the whole world, and suffer the loss of his soul?”—Jesus Christ

GOD doesn’t tolerate foolishness even if you’re a lunatic who claims to have a “kinship” with the Creator.

In fact, if Jesus Christ can only untangle himself from the cross, he will “kick” Apollo Quiboloy on the face if the self-styled pastor is using the son of God’s name in vain.

But Quiboloy, a preacher who once claimed he talked to God, is presumed innocent of the child sex trafficking, human trafficking, money laundering, among other charges, until proven otherwise.

That’s due process under the law of man.

We can’t tell if God gives a “due process” to those who traffic and sexually abuse minors.

On the other hand, it is also possible that some of the complainants had been coached by their lawyers.

Sex trafficking and human trafficking victims can get a green card or permanent residency under the United States law.

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But if Quiboloy and his cohorts really abused and exploited the women, three of whom were reportedly minors, by all means they must be extradited and put behind bars.

It’s time to teach him or them a lesson and show him or them that they’re not above the law, assuming all the charges against him and his cohorts were true.

There have been moves from US authorities to reportedly seek to confiscate the 71-year-old self-styled pastor’s US assets which the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) said were “ill-gotten.”

Quiboloy and eight of his associates were indicted by federal authorities for engaging in a “criminal conspiracy” that included sex trafficking, child sex trafficking, money laundering, bulk cash smuggling, marriage and visa fraud, and other violations of federal law.

They belong in the megachurch Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), The Name Above Every Name, which he founded in 1985. The church claims to have a following of over 6 million in 200 countries.

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Quiboloy, who has been claiming to be “appointed son of God”, also risks losing some of the prime assets of his religious empire, including a Cessna Citation Sovereign, a private aircraft with a current market value of $18 million, a Bell 429 helicopter, several luxury cars and real estate holdings, such as a million-dollar mansion which he allegedly owns in Calabasas, California, where America’s rich and famous live, if US authorities succeed in the criminal forfeiture.

Other properties that could be reportedly seized include houses in Las Vegas, Nevada and in Kapolei, Hawaii, as well as the main headquarters of KOJC in the United States with address at 14400 block of Vanowen Street, Van Nuys, California.

The spiritual adviser of President Rodrigo Duterte has been on the radar of US authorities since Feb. 13, 2018, when he was detained for a day in Honolulu after customs officials found gun parts, at least $335,000 in US dollars and another $9,000 in Australian dollars hidden in luggage in his private aircraft.

But Quiboloy was not charged in connection with that incident until last week, and at that time was allowed to return to the Philippines in a commercial flight.

He is best known for his verbal spat with presidential candidate Manny Pacquiao, who had also filed a damage suit against the talkative and controversial pastor.

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NEW YORK Governor Kathy Hochul sent me an e-mail before the Thanksgiving Day: Alex, Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you’re getting ready to enjoy time with family, neighbors, and friends after too many holidays spent apart. My family and I are all vaccinated, and we can’t wait to celebrate together safely.

While I know we’re all excited to gather for Thanksgiving and the holidays, the threat of COVID-19 is still very real. We’re headed into a time when more people are traveling and gathering indoors, and that means the chance of spreading COVID-19 is higher. Unfortunately, we’re already seeing cases rise across the state, and we’re working closely with local officials to bring cases down and to bring vaccinations up.

New Yorkers, be smart — we have the tools to protect ourselves and our loved ones from COVID. We know the best way to beat this virus is to get vaccinated. If you’re already vaccinated and boosted, I want you to think about the person in your life who isn’t vaccinated yet. Reach out to them and share why you chose to get vaccinated, and encourage them to do the same.

Luckily, our younger kids can now get vaccinated, too. Parents —Thanksgiving break is the perfect time to get your young children vaccinated. Talk to your pediatrician, learn more at ny.gov/VaxForKids, and make an appointment for your child as soon as you can. The vaccines are safe, free, and recommended by doctors and health experts, and it’s OK to have questions.

It’s so important to keep our loved ones safe, especially during the holidays. If you are feeling sick, stay home. Testing is widely available across New York State and is free. Find a testing site near you.

Some other tips to help you and your loved ones have a safe holiday:

Limit your gatherings to only vaccinated family and loved ones

If the weather permits and it’s not too cold, open the windows and door for more ventilation

Wear a mask when you’re in public indoor places

There is good news, too! Over 90% of adult New Yorkers have gotten at least their first vaccine dose. Remember: If you’ve gotten your first dose of Pfizer or Moderna, don’t forget to get your second dose. And if you’re fully vaccinated, be sure to get your booster as soon as you’re eligible. There are over 4,500 locations across the state offering boosters, so don’t put it off. If you’ve been looking for the right time to do it, now is that time.

I’m thankful for all of your hard work in getting vaccinated, bringing New York back, and looking out for another throughout this time. Let’s prevent a spike in our COVID numbers this winter by celebrating this holiday season safely.

Wishing you and your loved ones a happy and safe Thanksgiving! Governor Kathy Hochul

(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two dailies in Iloilo.—Ed)