DOJ wraps up probe on sedition raps vs Robredo, 35 others

MANILA, Philippines — The panel of prosecutors from the Department of Justice (DOJ) has wrapped up its preliminary investigation on the sedition complaint filed by the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) against Vice President Leni Robredo and 35 others.

With the respondents — except former Magdalo Rep. Gary Alejano and Jonnell Sangalang— submitting their counter-affidavits, the panel has submitted the case for resolution.

During the preliminary investigation last Sept. 6, panel member and Assistant State Prosecutor Gino Paolo Santiago said the panel will no longer entertain submissions of counter-affidavits after Sept. 6.

However, among the respondents, only detained Senator Leila De Lima and human rights lawyer Jose Manuel “Chel” Diokno were allowed to submit counter-affidavits on Sept. 9 as well as Danilo Songco on Sept. 11.

The DOJ panel of prosecutors, chaired by Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Olivia Torrevillas, was given 60 days to complete its preliminary hearing. 

The complaint filed by the PNP-CIDG was based on the testimony of witness/respondent Peter Joemel Advincula.

Advincula, the self-claimed “Bikoy” in the “Ang Totoong Narcolist Videos,” alleged that the respondents, particularly Trillanes and Fr. Albert Alejo S.J., tapped him to be the narrator of the controversial series of videos accusing members of President Duterte’s family and some close friends to be involved in illegal drugs. The plot to oust Duterte was called “Project Sodoma”. /je

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