‘Bikoy’ as state witness? State prosecutors still undecided
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Posted by INQUIRER.net on Wednesday, February 12, 2020
MANILA, Philippines – Panel of prosecutors from the Department of Justice (DOJ) is still not certain if they will push for the discharge of Peter Joemel Advincula as a state witness in the conspiracy to commit sedition against former senator Antonio Trillanes IV and several others in connection with the “Ang Totoong Narcolist” video.
Advincula, the self-confessed “Bikoy,” the hooded figure in the video series, is also included as Trillanes’ co-accused.
However, Advincula is the sole witness of the complainant, Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG), and his affidavit is highlighted in the resolution of the DOJ panel.
When asked if the resolution is preparation for Advincula’s discharge as a state witness, Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Olivia Laroza-Torrevillas said: “We will think about it.”
She said they also have the option to present Advincula during the course of the trial as an ordinary witness, plus they could also present other witnesses.
“The prosecution is not precluded from utilizing other witnesses, other evidence,” she said pointing out that even the other evidence that they no longer considered in the crafting of the resolution because it was submitted out of time might still be used during the course of the trial.
“We are not precluded from utilizing other evidence which might come out after the preliminary investigation,” she added.
The conspiracy to commit sedition charges has been filed before the Quezon City Metropolitan Trial Court last Feb. 10.
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