Betrayed by her faith: Ex-KOJC member details years of Quiboloy’s sexual abuse

MANILA, Philippines — Teresita Valdehueza was only 17 years old when she saw the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) as a way to serve God back in 1980. Under the guidance of Davao-based pastor Apollo Quiboloy, Valdehueza felt she had reached a profound, spiritual awakening. 

Some 44 years later, Valdehueza now sits at a Senate hearing during a stormy day, unraveling the years of abuse she reportedly endured at the hands of the pastor.  

In 1980, a 17-year old Valdehueza joined the KOJC, where she eagerly served a fledgling ministry with eagerness. Eight years later, she decided she would dedicate her life to it. 

“This choice meant leaving behind my family, my career, and the person I once was. Despite the resistance of family and friends, I pursued my conviction. I joined a pioneering group that struggled to meet basic needs, but my desire to serve God fueled my persistence,” Valdehueza said at the Senate inquiry on Wednesday, October 23.  

Valdehueza said she felt forgiven, believing that she was working alongside a man appointed by God. 

All of that changed when Quiboloy had a “divine revelation” that summoned Valdehueza to him. Quiboloy instructed Valdehueza to travel from Manila to Cebu, where he was scheduled to preach. 

Valdehueza was instructed to stay in the hotel room of Quiboloy, who told her that she should sleep next to him. After all, they were compatible because they were wearing the same color at the time: red. 

“Sleeping beside a man I believed to be chosen by God was for me then a great privilege and opportunity for a sinner like me. But what followed shattered my sense of faith and trust. Without a word, after turning off the light, he embraced me, undressed me, and violated me with his lustful act that left me in shock and speechless. He then said, ‘This is the fulfillment of God's revelation’,” Valdehueza said. 

Quiboloy told Valdehueza that she will be part of God’s life by surrendering her body and soul.  

“Confusion consumed me. I felt betrayed—by my faith, by him, and even perhaps by myself. I began questioning whether what had happened was indeed God's will or simply a gross abuse of power,” she said. 

Valdehueza wanted to leave the KOJC,