MAKABAYAN bloc lawmaker and House Deputy Minority Leader France Castro has called on fugitive preacher Apollo Quiboloy to face the charges against him in the Philippines and the United States.

She pointed out that the government is working on an extradition treaty with the US regarding his cases but told him to face the cases in the country first.

In a recorded video interview with The Manila Times, Castro called on the Davao-based religious leader to surrender.

"One thing I am going to say: Surrender," she said in Filipino. "He should already abide by the rule of law. He already said he does not respect the Senate, and even in the House of Representatives, he does not show up."

"He already has cases of alleged abuse against women and children; he should face that... anyway, that is the proper venue for criminal cases, of course, and both the House and Senate differ on the purposes, in aid of legislation."

Castro also said the Makabayan bloc has a House Resolution, in aid of legislation, citing the alleged abuses against Quiboloy, hoping to craft a bill based on the resolution.

"Quiboloy is quite strong-willed because he has protectors and best friends in the Dutertes, but he needs to be told to abide by the rule of law, especially Vice President Sara Duterte, who always defends him," Castro added. "And she should have some compassion for Quiboloy's victims and tell him to come out and face the law."

Last March 12, Quiboloy, who has a Federal Bureau of Investigation arrest warrant in the US, was slapped with a contempt citation by the House Committee on Legislative Franchises chaired by Parañaque City Rep. Gus Tambunting.