Lacson panel formally invites 'Bikoy' to attend Senate probe

Senator Panfilo Lacson said Tuesday the Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs has invited Peter Joemel Advincula or “Ang Totoong Narcolist” video narrator ‘Bikoy' to attend the investigation on Friday.

“The hearing is set at 9:30 a.m. It will push through once Bikoy confirms his attendance with a sworn statement ready,” Lacson said in a text message.

He said the committee has sent out Tuesday a formal invitation letter to Advincula through the Integrated Bar of the Philippines “since it was the last known link to him and they may have knowledge of how to relay the invitation to him.”

“In the meantime, we are doing some background investigation and record check on him,” he said.

Earlier in the day, Lacson said the Senate panel can schedule a hearing on Advincula’s accusations provided that the latter present a sworn statement and evidence.

“Like it or not, Bikoy has become a political, if not an election issue,” he said in a post on his Twitter account.

“The Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs can schedule a hearing this week on one condition: Bikoy must personally present a sworn statement and his evidence to support his accusations,” he added.

Lacson said an early hearing would provide the public a chance to see for themselves if the claims made by "Bikoy" have basis.

“In fairness to those who ‘Bikoy’ linked to the drug trade, the hearing will allow the public to observe his demeanor and determine if his claims are true. And if his claims have basis, it will allow voters to reject those involved,” he said in a radio interview.

He added one of the goals of the hearing would be to bolster proposed legislation providing heavier penalties against perjury, especially before congressional investigations.

"I filed Senate Bill 253 to protect innocent people from being wrongly jailed or having their reputations suffer because of lying witnesses," he said.

Under his bill, which is pending before the Justice and Human Rights Committee, any person who shall give false testimony in any criminal case shall suffer the same penalty for the crime the defendant is being accused of.

A public officer or employee who orders such false testimony may suffer such penalty in its maximum period, along with a fine of up to P1 million, and perpetual absolute disqualification from holding any government position. —LDF, GMA News