Senate won’t waste time in probe if Bikoy’s credibility is demolished — Lacson

MANILA, Philippines — The Senate will not waste time investigating the allegations of “Bikoy” if something comes up that would destroy his credibility.

Senator Panfilo Lacson said this after the Senate committee on public order, which he chairs, sent a formal invite on Tuesday to Peter Joemel Advincula through the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP).

Advincula was claiming to be “Bikoy,” the hooded man in “Ang Totoong Narcolist” videos that linked President Rodrigo Duterte’s family and allies to the illegal drug trade.

READ: ‘Bikoy’ surfaces at IBP office, claims his life is in danger

Lacson said the letter was already with the IBP, but he has not yet received any feedback if Advincula would be willing to appear in the hearing.

“The letter is with IBP na. It seems that they won’t relay to Bikoy since they already issued a statement denying his whereabouts,” he said in a text message.

READ: IBP says’ Bikoy’ is not a client

“In any case, [it’s a] public notice. I’m sure Advincula is already aware of the scheduled Friday hearing,” he added.

But the senator reiterated that the committee will only proceed with the probe if Advincula would come with a prepared sworn statement and evidence to support his affidavit.

“Unless some intervening developments come up between now and Friday that will obviously destroy his credibility as a witness enough to justify to abort the hearing on Friday, then we will no longer waste our time,” Lacson said.

The hearing of the committee was set at 9:30 a.m. /ee