Poe: Oust Duterte matrix must be backed with evidence

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Grace Poe said proof must be shown to establish that some personalities and groups identified in a new matrix released by Malacañang, are indeed involved in a plot to oust President Rodrigo Duterte.

“Mahirap ‘yung mga matrix e, kailangan talaga, ‘pag gano’n, ‘yung may pruweba, ‘yun ang ilabas; kahit naman sino kasi puwedeng idagdag ang kahit sino doon sa matrix,” Poe told reporters on the sidelines of her campaign activities in Bulacan on Thursday.

On Wednesday, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo together with Communications Secretary Martin Andanar presented a matrix that tagged some organizations and personalities as supposedly behind a destabilization plot against the present administration.

READ: LP, Magdalo, media outfits tagged in Duterte ouster plot

Meanwhile, Poe said the decision of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines to reject the request of Peter Joemel Advincula’s for legal assistance is the prerogative of the group.

“Prerogatiba nila ‘yon pero puwede naman tayong magbigay ng PAO (Public Attorneys Office) lawyers kung kailangang bigyan ng abogado,” the senator said.

Advincula appeared at the IBP office earlier this week and identified himself as “Bikoy,” the hooded man in the controversial “Ang Totoong Narcolist” videos.

“Ang Totoong Narcolist” is a series of videos linking the relatives and allies of the President to the illegal drugs trade.

Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III later revealed that Advincula was also behind similar allegations made against former President Benigno Aquino III, his Cabinet members and former local officials from the Bicol region.  /muf

READ: Man claiming to be ‘Bikoy’ linked Aquino to drugs – Sotto 

READ: Lacson: Cancelled probe ‘setup’ to unmask ‘Bikoy’ backers