By Jel Santos
The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) on Tuesday bellied rumors that Peter Joemel “Bikoy” Advincula was under their custody following his press conference at its office in Pasig City.
Peter Joemel Advincula, Alyas 'Bikoy,' appears at the office of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines in Ortigas, Pasig City, on Monday, May 6, 2019. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)
On Monday, Advincula, who was reportedly accompanied by nuns, went to IBP to seek legal help, and hold a press conference. He claimed that he was the one behind the series of videos implicating the relatives and close allies of President Duterte to the illegal drug trade.
“We would like to dispel rumors that Mr. Peter Joemel Advincula is under the custody and case of the IBP. The IBP leadership is unaware of his whereabouts,” IBP said in a statement sent to reporters late Tuesday afternoon.
IBP says Peter Joemel "Bikoy" Advincula is not under its custody, saying it is not even aware of his current whereabouts. (VIA JEL SANTOS / MANILA BULLETIN)
IBP also clarified that it had nothing to do with statement that Advincula read in front of the media, saying no one from IBP helped him to make it.
As such, it said that IBP was not even responsible for inviting media to cover the impromptu press briefing.
IBP reiterated that it continues to be the sentinel of the rule of law in the country, which has a mandate to maintain independence and credibility.
The application of Advincula for legal is still being evaluated by National Center for Legal Aid (NCLA), IBP said.
“Like any other applicant for legal assistance, he is subject to the evaluation process. Right now, his application for legal aid is still under the evaluation by the NCLA.”
After Advincula read his statement, he immediately left and did not answer any questions from the media.
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