Friday Senate hearing on ‘Bikoy’ may not push through, says Lacson

Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson. INQUIRER.net file photo / CATHY MIRANDA

MANILA, Philippines — The Senate hearing on Friday regarding the allegations of Peter Joemel Advincula, the man who claimed to be “Bikoy” linking close allies and relatives of President Rodrigo Duterte to a drug syndicate, may not push through after all.

Senator Panfilo Lacson said this in an interview with DZBB on Wednesday, after a news report said that Advincula wants the hearing done after the May 13 elections.

“Gusto man natin o hindi, naging political issue at naging election issue na rin ito. May relation na sa election. Mas mainam sana sa Biyernes pero mukhang di mangyayari,” Lacson said.

Lacson said the Senate needs the sworn statement of Advincula and evidence he may present to support his accusations so that the senators will have basis for their questions.

In calling for Advincula to attend the hearing, Lacson reiterated that truth remains to be the same before and after the elections.

READ: Lacson to ‘Bikoy’: ‘Truth is never time-bound’

He said that the Senate wanted to interrogate Advincula before Monday’s elections since his accusations could affect whom the voters will support.

“Ang alam natin may ineendorsong kandidato si PRRD (Duterte’s initials). Kung haharap siya (Advincula) bago mag-election, ang publiko magkakaroon ng idea kung may laman ba ang kanyang sinasabi, pagbasehan, at baka magdesisyon pagdating ng Lunes sa polling precinct,” Lacson said.

But regardless of whether Advincula will attend the hearing, Lacson said his allegations could be “overtaken by developments” on the issue.

According to Lacson, the Senate may also issue a subpoena to Advincula if he continuously refuses to attend the hearing. /jpv

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