Supporters of jailed televangelist Apollo Quiboloy held proclamation rallies across the Philippines as he runs for senator - claiming it was God's mission for him.

Footage shows the fanatics dressed in purple shirts dancing in front of a crowd to support the alleged cult leader in an election rally in Davao del Sur, on February 12.

In a 20-minute video message, Quiboloy, a suspected child sex trafficker wanted by US authorities, said: 'I have seen the Father's will for me to enter the realm of politics and give direction, order, and development to this country, until it becomes a first-world nation with zero corruption.

'He told me, son, enter the field of secular governance - in other words, politics. For that is the power that oppresses you.

'I was given direction by God by force of circumstance. I entered politics and if God wills it, I will bring the principles of our kingdom.'

Quiboloy is the founder of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ - an alleged sex cult said to have seven million members. He had filed his senatorial candidacy in October last year while detained in jail.

Philippine poll body the Commission on Elections dismissed petitions to disqualify the controversial religious leader on 'lack of merit'.

Quiboloy was returned to the Pasig City Jail in Metro Manila on Thursday, February 12, following a medical furlough for pneumonia.

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.