Uploader of ‘Bikoy’ videos open to turning state witness
Credit to Author: The Manila Times| Date: Fri, 03 May 2019 10:29:43 +0000
THE alleged uploader of the controversial videos that linked President Rodrigo Duterte and members of his family to illegal drugs is open to turning “state witness,” saying his intentions are “clean.”
Rodel Jayme, 27, who has been under the custody of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) following his arrest early this week, faced the media on Friday and reiterated that he was not “Bikoy,” the hooded figure featured in the five-part series that was posted on the video sharing site YouTube in April.
“Bikoy” named the President’s son, former Davao City vice mayor Paolo Duterte; lawyer Manases Carpio, the President’s son-in-law and husband of Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio; and Duterte’s former aide Christopher “Bong” Go as being involved in the illegal drug trade in Southern Luzon and the Visayas regions.
Jayme claimed that a certain Maru Nguyen (not a real name) paid him P2500 to put up the Metro.Balita.net website.
Creating the site was his only participation, said Jayme.
Jayme said that he and Nguyen met in the sorties of the Liberal Party (LP), which they support but denied claims that he worked or was working for Vice President Ma. Leonor “Leni” Robredo, who heads the LP.
Jayme said that he gave access to Nguyen who uploaded the “Ang Totoong Narcolist” videos.
Ferdinand Lavin, NBI deputy director, said, Jayme was facing inciting to sedition charges before the Department of Justice (DoJ) because of “very revealing chats” that were meant to “sow hatred towards the government.”
Under Article 142 of the Revised Penal Code, inciting to sedition refers to the “penalty of prision correctional in its maximum period and a fine not exceeding 2,000 pesos shall be imposed upon any person who, without taking any direct part in the crime of sedition, should incite others to the accomplishment of any of the acts which constitute sedition, by means of speeches, proclamations, writings, emblems, cartoons, banners, or other representations tending to the same end, or upon any person or persons who shall utter seditious words or speeches, write, publish, or circulate scurrilous libels against the Republic of the Philippines or any of the duly constituted authorities thereof, or which tend to disturb or obstruct any lawful officer in executing the functions of his office, or which tend to instigate others to cabal and meet together for unlawful purposes, or which suggest or incite people against the lawful authorities or to disturb the peace of the community, the safety and order of the Government, or who shall knowingly conceal such evil practices.”
Jayme said there were people “behind” the videos, but could not name them for now, so that the ongoing NBI investigation would not be compromised.
Jayme, a high school graduate, also said he feared for his life, but “knows” he is safe in the custody of the NBI.
“It is very possible [to turn him into a state witness]…if he continues to spill the beans on others, and we get to prove that he just created the website and nothing else.],” said Lavin.
Lavin said that the “strategy” of the NBI was to charge Jayme first so he could be considered a state witness.
Lavin said the NBI was set to file another case against Jayme for cyberlibel and child abuse because the 13-year-old daughter of Duterte, Veronica, was also implicated as having received drug money. CATHERINE A. MODESTO
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