MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court ordered the transfer of venue of the criminal cases of controversial pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy from Davao City to Quezon City to avoid a miscarriage of justice.

The decision of the high court's second division comes following the request of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla to move the venue of two criminal cases from the Davao City Regional Trial Court (RTC) to the Quezon City RTC.

In its decision, thee Court found compelling reasons to justify the transfer of venue as the cases involve public interest, with the accused, a well-known religious leader, being influential in the area. As this could cause local biases and a strong possibility that witnesses cannot freely testify due to fear and influence of the accused, the Court found it prudent and judicious to order the transfer of the cases to Quezon City.

The Court directed the Branch Clerk of Court of Branch 12, RTC, Davao City to forward the entire records relating to the cases of Quiboloy to the Office of the Executive Judge of the RTC, Quezon City within three days from notice.

The Quezon City RTC was also directed to raffle the cases, upon receipt of the records, among the judges in the station.

The Court further directed judges in Davao City and in other stations in Mindanao where future related cases involving Quiboloy and his co-accused may be filed to motu proprio order the transmittal of the records to the Office of the Clerk of Court of the RTC and Metropolitan Trial Court in Quezon City.