IBP still evaluating legal assistance for 'Bikoy'
ABS-CBN News
Posted at May 06 2019 06:43 PM | Updated as of May 06 2019 06:55 PM
Peter Joemel Advicula aka "Bikoy" answers questions during a press briefing at the Integrated Bar of the Philippines on Monday, May 6, 2019. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News
MANILA - The Integrated Bar of the Philippines is still evaluating whether it will give free legal assistance to "Bikoy," the man who linked President Rodrigo Duterte's family to the narcotics trade through a series of viral videos.
In a press conference at the IBP, a certain Peter Joemel Advincula introduced himself as Bikoy.
Speaking to DZMM, Atty. June Ambrosio of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines- National Center for Legal Aid said Advincula is now considered an applicant for free legal assistance.
"Everything is still under evaluation, under consideration, so until such time that we are able to come up with a resolution on the application, we cannot divulge any information," she said.
Ambrosio also said they were surprised when Advincula appeared in their office.
"Nabigla din kami sa paglitaw ni Bikoy. May tumawag lang sa 'min na madre na humihingi ng parking space, pagdating ay kasama nila si Bikoy," she said.
(We were surprised by Bikoy's appearance. Some nuns called us, they were asking for parking space. When they arrived, Bikoy was with them.)
She said they are treating Advincula as a regular client.
"Makikita mo ang determination kay Bikoy sa paghingi ng tulong, at ang ginawa ng IBP, tulad ng mga regular client ang naging proseso," Ambrosio said.
(You can see he is determined to ask for help, and the IBP treated him as a regular client.)
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Advincula surfaced days after the arrest of Rodel Jayme, who admitted to creating a website that hosted the Totoong Narco-list videos. Jayme said 2 supporters of the opposition Liberal Party tapped him to create the website, which it denied.
Advincula said he has no links to any political party or the LP-backed Otso Diretso line-up.