Metro Briefs: Sept. 17, 2019

Priest denies Bikoy’s claims

MANILA, Philippines —A Jesuit priest charged with sedition has denied accusations by Duterte critic-turned-state witness Peter Joemel Advincula, alias “Bikoy,” that he was a key participant in the making of videos linking the President’s family and some close friends to illegal drugs.

Fr. Albert Alejo told the Department of Justice that he gave aid to Advincula as part of his priestly ministry, and not to plot against the government.

“In the complaint, the crux of the controversy involves my priestly ministry … If a man comes to you fearing for his life, seeking protection and spiritual guidance in pursuit of justice, should one shy away?,” Alejo said in his sworn statement submitted last week.

The Philippine National Police has accused Alejo and 32 opposition figures, including Vice President Leni Robredo, bishops, priests, lawyers and private individuals of committing sedition, inciting to sedition, cyberlibel, libel, estafa, harboring a criminal and obstruction of justice.

The sedition case was based solely on the claims of Advincula, who after admitting that he was “Bikoy” in the “The Real Narcolist” videos, made a turnaround and accused the opposition of using him to spread lies against the administration. —Dona Z. Pazzibugan

Drivers hit new traffic policy

MANILA, Philippines — Some transport groups and jeepney operators in Valenzuela City protested on Monday the implementation of the no-contact apprehension policy.

Reynaldo Villanueva, president of the Valenzuela City Transport Alliance, said that their group twice sought a dialogue with city hall, but only a representative from the public order and safety office talked to them.

“That’s why we are angry. They did not consult the people of Valenzuela,” he added.

They asked the government to suspend the implementation of the policy pending a public hearing. —Nikka G. Valenzuela