The Court of Appeals (CA) Third Division in Manila upheld the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Pasig City’s decision to dismiss the petition for bail filed by Ingrid Canada, co-accused in child abuse and qualified human trafficking cases against Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) founder Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy. In a four-page decision dated November 28, penned by Associate Justice Pedro B. Corales, the appellate court dismissed Canada’s petition on procedural grounds, citing its untimely filing. The RTC initially denied her petition on July 21, and her motion for reconsideration was dismissed on August 28. Canada filed a petition for certiorari with the CA on October 27, but it was submitted via LBC Express, a private courier, and not through personally or registered mail as required. The CA ruled that the petition, received on October 29, was filed two days beyond the 60-day reglementary period under Rule 65 of the Rules of Court. Additionally, the CA noted the failure to include the “People of the Philippines” as an indispensable party in the petition. Canada and co-accused Jackielyn Roy were arrested on April 4, 2024, in Barangay Tamayong, Davao City. On April 3, 2024, former Barangay Tamayong chairman Cresente Canada, Paulene Canada, and Sylvia Cemañes were arrested but released the same day after posting bail of P240,000.
