Panelo to Advincula: Prove your claim vs opposition

MALACAÑANG is not buying the turnabout of Peter Joemel Advincula, the man who claimed to be the hooded "Bikoy" in the "Ang Totoong Narco-list" videos.

In the videos, "Bikoy" accused Duterte family members of involvement in the illegal drugs trade. Advincula, still claiming to be "Bikoy", said Thursday, May 23, 2019, that the videos were orchestrated by the Liberal Party and Senator Antonio Trillanes IV. He said the allegations were all lies.

Panelo said Advincula needs to substantiate his latest claim by showing proof that the LP was behind the videos.

"As a lawyer, I just don’t believe in what a person says. He (Advincula) has to substantiate (his claim). He has to submit proof," the Palace official said.

"He mentioned several personalities. He mentioned several conversations. He can submit those conversations by way of telephone, text messages or whatever means of communication. He mentioned certain places where they met. He mentioned Ateneo and De La Salle. These can easily be validated. He mentioned many names. For one, he has to submit a sworn statement," he added.

Panelo said, however, that Advincula's fresh claim proved that the supposed drug links of the Duterte family were a mere "black propaganda."

"I think it's the onset of unmasking the truth behind the 'Ang Totoong Narcolist' videos, which we said before are black propaganda intended to discredit the President and his family and to besmirch their reputation with the intention of course of making the people lost trust in this President," Panelo said.

"The opposition has been harassing this government. People will always deny [their involvement in plot to discredit Duterte], but again, as I said, we'll have to wait. Then after that, let's see. The truth will come out," he added.

Asked if the government plans to file charges against Advincula, Panelo said it would depend on the findings of the investigation that will be conducted by the Philippine National Police (PNP).

For now, Panelo said the Palace would await the conclusion of the PNP's pending investigation into Advincula's new revelation.

"We've been saying that they (Duterte family) are not involved, never involved and will never be involved [in illegal drugs]. Precisely, the President is the most powerful advocate against the use of illegal drugs. Whether or not the opposition is one of [those behind the 'Ang "Totoong Narcolist' videos, it will depend on this person (Advincula)," he said.

"We would rather wait for the investigation that will be conducted by the PNP relative to his revelations. So we’d rather have the PNP do its job," he added.

Advincula, in an about-face, claimed that the "Ang Totoong Narcolist" videos were a production of the LP led by Vice President Leni Robredo and of outgoing Senator Antonio Trillanes IV.

He alleged that it was part of Project Sodoma, a plot to oust Duterte and install Robredo and Trillanes as president and vice president, respectively. (SunStar Philippines)

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