Another no-show for ‘Bikoy’ in DOJ estafa probe

MANILA, Philippines — The estafa case of Peter Joemel Advincula, also known as “Bikoy” in the narcolist videos tagging President Rodrigo Duterte’s relatives and allies in illegal drug trade, was submitted for resolution Tuesday after his failure to show up at the preliminary investigation of the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Advincula also did not show up at the preliminary probe last May 28, making this his second absence from the probe.

A businessman named Arven Valmores, president and CEO of Ardeur World Marketing, filed a complaint against Advincula for using the name of their company in organizing a pageant in Polangui, Albay on Aug. 11, 2018.

Advincula, however, did not show up at the pageant and did not pay the hired production director and several staff. Advicula also did not pay the prizes of the winners.

In a move to save the reputation of his company, Valmores said he was forced to shell out P300,000.

READ: ‘Bikoy’ faces another estafa complaint at DOJ for botched beauty pageant

Lawyer Benjamin delos Santos said there was no word regarding the reason behind Advincula’s absence.

“From Day 1 [there were no advisory], but I understand. He’s under protective custody now of the PNP-CIDG NCR (Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-National Capital Region) and I guess dati rin naman akong CIDG eh, security risks, baka,” Delos Santos told reporters at the DOJ.

In May, the DOJ sent the subpoena to Advincula’s last known address in Sorsogon.

READ: DOJ summons ‘Bikoy’ over botched beauty pageant case

“It has been validly received by the person from the house. That was his last give address when he was released from the Bureau of Corrections so if you follow procedures, your last known address would be the address where the subpoena will be issued,” Delos Santos said.

“His failure would be counted or considered against him and we have been in media, tri-media, social media, alam niya yun, and he maybe he opted not to attend,” he added.

Asked if there has been a coordination between their camp and the PNP-CIDG, where Advincula is currently under protective custody, Delos Santos said: “I cannot do that. If ever there would be some effort, it would be the DOJ.”

Valmores filed the estafa complaint with the Department of Justice last May 10. (Editor: Julie Espinosa)