The Integrated Bar of the Philippines has rejected the request for legal assistance from a man who surfaced Monday, claiming he is “Bikoy,” the narrator in a series of videos posted online that implicates several members of President Rodrigo Duterte’s family and his associates in the illegal drug trade.
Peter Joemel Advincula went to the IBP for legal assistance, saying he feared for his life.
Earlier, the Davao chapter of the IBP hit the group’s national leadership for allowing its main office as a venue for Advincula to issue statements accusing the President’s family and allies of accepting drug payoffs.
The local chapter said this “reeked of [a] political agenda.”
In a statement, the IBP board of governors maintained that it remains independent and denied keeping Advincula in its custody.
The IBP, through its National Center for Legal Aid, said that after evaluation, the organization denied Advincula’s request.
The IBP said Advincula sought free legal assistance in the filing of charges against certain individuals, including candidates for elective positions for their alleged involvement in the illegal drug trade.
“His application was duly processed just like any other request received by the NCLA,” the IBP said.
The lawyers’ group explained that denying Advincula’s request was in line with the NCLA’s Manual of Operations.
“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.
Nonetheless, it said that the documents and communications provided will remain privileged and confidential.
READ: IBP rift exposed over ‘Bikoy’ show