A detained pastor accused of running a religious sex cult is running for the Philippine Senate from jail.

Self-proclaimed 'Son of God' Apollo Quiboloy, 74, filed his certificate of candidacy through his lawyer Mark Tolentino on October 8.

Photos show the legal counsel holding up the pastor's notarised documents, which were submitted to the Commission on Elections in Manila.

Tolentino said: 'He is running because of God and our beloved Philippines. The focus of his platform of governance is God-centered, Philippine-centered, and Filipino-centered, especially in legislation as a senator.'

Quiboloy is currently jailed in Camp Crame, the headquarters of the Philippine National Police, in Quezon City, Metro Manila.

He was wanted by the FBI in the United States for alleged sex trafficking of children, sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion, conspiracy, and bulk cash smuggling. He also allegedly traffics members around the world, with an inner circle of women who perform what they call 'nighttime duties', taking it in turns to sleep with him.

He grew his following through radio, televangelism, and social media.

Quiboloy has ties with the powerful Duterte family which dominates local politics in Davao City.

He served as spiritual adviser to the vitriolic former President Rodrigo Duterte and allegedly enjoyed the politician's protections until he stepped down in 2022.