A video of Pampanga Rep. and former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo crowning Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Apollo Quiboloy is circulating online without proper context.
This shows the conferment of the patron crown by a professional membership organization, the Royal Institution (RI) of Singapore, not a religious ritual as misconstrued.
As early as Sept. 1, clips of individuals in robes crowning the self-proclaimed “appointed son of God” have been shared on Facebook (FB). Arroyo, wearing the same headpiece, can be seen putting the crown on Quiboloy’s head.
A reel uploaded on Sept. 11 bore this text:
“PATI SI MADAM GLORIA NABALIW RIN TALAGA. APPOINTED SON OF GOD NAKAKULONG NA (EVEN MADAM GLORIA WENT CRAZY. APPOINTED SON OF GOD NOW IN JAIL).”
This needs context. The video was taken when the RI conferred on Quiboloy its Patron title during a Special Convocation and Investiture Ceremony and Crowning in 2019. Arroyo, who holds the same title from the institution, attended as a witness. The two are among five RI Patrons.
RI is a multidisciplinary professional membership and accrediting organization that recognizes the contribution, academic and professional achievements of its members.
While the event took place inside the KOJC Hall in Davao City, it was not a KOJC ceremony as several netizens interpreted it to be.
RI is the umbrella organization of more than 300 Royal Institutes of various disciplines and professions. RI in the Philippines was incorporated in 2003 and is registered with the Security and Exchange Commission.
An earlier copy of the video was uploaded by a netizen on Sept. 3, 2019 and published by media organization One PH two days later.
Quiboloy and Arroyo are shown wearing the institute’s “patron crown” and the corresponding royal light purple robe.
According to its website, the Royal Institution of Singapore is a “global multidisciplinary professional membership and accrediting institution” that gives recognitions to people and organizations. It confers membership titles, lifetime awards and recognition titles as well as appointment order titles.
Their website also states that individuals given a Patron status should possess honesty, integrity and compassion; exceptional ethical leadership skills and noble and glorious statesmanship, among other qualities.
The video circulated when manhunt operations against Quiboloy were intensifying. He was arrested on Sept. 8 and is currently facing sexual and child abuse and human trafficking charges.
Copies of the video uploaded by two FB users garnered 7,000 reactions, 2396 comments, 2,793 shares and 750,000 views. A copy posted by the FB page Pinoy Avenue (created as Bisexual Nation on April 6, 2018) also garnered 18,000 reactions, 5,600 comments, 2,200 shares and 684,000 views.
