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IBP declines 'Bikoy's' request for free legal aid
By NICOLE-ANNE C. LAGRIMAS,GMA NewsThe Integrated Bar of the Philippines has declined the request for free legal assistance of the man who claims to be the one who accused members of the First Family of involvement in the illegal drug trade.
The IBP's National Center for Legal Aid declined Peter Joemel Advincula's request after conducting a "thorough evaluation of his application," the organization announced in a statement issued on Wednesday.
Advincula surfaced at the IBP headquarters
in Ortigas on Monday to deliver a statement and request representation in the filing of charges against certain individuals, "including candidates for elective positions," an application the IBP said was "duly processed.""The NCLA has determined that Mr. Advincula may not be provided free legal assistance based on the standards provided for in the NCLA Manual of Operations in approving such requests," the statement said.
It explained, however, that the documents submitted during the consultation will remain "privileged and confidential."
"In the pursuit of its mandate to provide access to justice to the poor and the marginalized, the IBP cannot be seen to be siding with or going against any candidate or political party," the IBP said.
Earlier on Wednesday, incoming IBP president Attorney Domingo Cayosa told GMA News' Unang Balita that the institution should not be used to cater to anyone's political agenda.
"Hindi pa ho tapos ang assessment, aba eh ginamit na ho ang aming tanggapan para mag-press conference. Sa tingin ho namin hindi ho tama 'yun. Bawal gamitin ang IBP sa anumang pamumulitika o pang-aapi ng kahit sino man," he said.
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Cayosa maintained that the IBP was unaware that Advincula will conduct a press conference at their office in Ortigas. He also said Advincula is not in their custody.
A hoodie-wearing "Bikoy" came out in the video series "Ang Totoong Narcolist" on social media and said the First Family as well as President Rodrigo Duterte's former aide Christopher "Bong" Go are involved in the illegal drug trade.
Duterte's son Paolo debunked the allegation and dared "Bikoy" to file charges.
Go on Monday took his shirt off anew to show that he had no dragon tattoo on his back—supposedly a proof of his membership in a dreaded drug syndicate in Asia.
The IBP's Davao City chapter on Tuesday criticized their national leadership for allegedly allowing itself to be used as a "staging area for "Bikoy's show," which they said reeks of "political agenda."
The chapter said Bikoy does not deserve its support as the IBP, they said, was "not established to cater to political interests."
The IBP stressed on the same day that Advincula is not in its custody and that their leaders do not know his current whereabouts. —KG/RSJ, GMA News