MANILA, Philippines – The camp of Vice President Ma. Leonor “Leni” Robredo on Thursday branded as “kwentong kutsero” (hearsay) and mere harassment the sedition and other complaints filed against her and 35 others who were linked to the “Ang Totoong Narcolist” videos which linked President Duterte’s family and allies to the illegal drugs trade.
Robredo’s spokesperson, Atty. Barry Gutierrez, said they would study their next action as soon as they receive a copy of the complaints.
“But if this is purely based on the outrageous statement previously given by Mr. Advincula, we can confidently say this is completely baseless and nothing more than plain and simple harassment,” Gutierrez said in a statement.
“Kwentong kutsero na pinilit gawing batayan sa kaso,” he added.
The Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) on Thursday filed sedition, cyber libel, libel, estafa, harboring a criminal and obstruction of justice complaints against Robredo, opposition senators Leila de Lima and Risa Hontiveros, former senators Bam Aquino and Antonio Trillanes IV and members of the Otso Diretso senatorial slate ,namely lawyers Chel Diokno, Romulo Macalintal, former Solicitor General Florin Hilbay, Samira Gutoc and former congressman Erin Tañada.
Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) president Archbishop Socrates Villegas and incumbent CBCP Vice President Archbishop Pablo Virgilio S. David, running priests Fr. Robert Reyes, Frs. Flaviano Villanueva, Albert E. Alejo, Bishops Honesto Ongtioco and Teodoro Bacani Jr. were also named in the complaints.
READ: PNP-CIDG files sedition case vs Robredo, 35 others over ‘Totoong Narcolist’ video
Peter Joemel Advincula, who claimed to be “Bikoy” in the video series, last May 6 alleged that members and allies of the Duterte family are involved in the drug trade.
Peter Joemel Advincula, who claims to be “Bikoy,” reads his statement at the multi-purpose hall at headquarters of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines in Pasig on May 6, 2019. (Photo by EDWIN BACASMAS / Philippine Daily Inquirer)
READ: ‘Bikoy’ changes tune on videos
On May 23, however, Advincula, appearing with ranking Philippine National Police officials, said his claims were fabricated and allegedly directed by Trillanes and the Liberal Party to overthrow President Rodrigo Duterte and install Robredo as President.
Peter Joemel Advincula, the man claiming to be “Bikoy” (left) and PNP chief Police Gen. Oscar Albayalde. PHOTO by CATHRINE GONZALES / INQUIRER.net
Trillanes, LP president Sen. Francis Pangilinan and Robredo have already denied Advincula’s accusations. /gsg
READ: What happened then and now: Dissecting the twists and turns of ‘Bikoy’s’ tales