‘Bikoy’ no-show at estafa preliminary probe
Credit to Author: Tempo Desk| Date: Tue, 28 May 2019 09:34:07 +0000
ADVINCULA
Peter Joemel Advincula alias Bikoy was a no-show Tuesday at the start of the preliminary investigation of the estafa complaint filed against him before the Department of Justice (DoJ).
“No-show si Peter Advincula, ” said lawyer and former Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) director Benjamin delos Santos who noted that neither any lawyer or representative of Advincula was present during the proceedings.
Delos Santos and current Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Deputy Director General Ruel Lasala were at the DoJ with complainant Ardeur World Markekting Corp. president and chief executive officer Arven Valmores.
Delos Santos said Assistant State Proscutor Herbert Calvin Advincula, who is conducting the preliminary investigation, sent subpoenas to Advincula ordering him to appear at the DoJ.
“As per records of the prosecutor, na-receive ang complaint niya sa last known address niya in Barangay Tupas, Donsol, Sorsogon,” said the lawyer.
Meanwhile, Abugan gave Advincula until June 4 to file his counter-affidavit or at least appear before the DoJ.
“If you follow the rules, 15 days dapat magbigay siya ng counter-affidavit to answer the complaint,” said Delos Santos who explained Advincula will be given 15 days to file the counter-affidavit should he appear on June 4 but failed to submit any document.
“If he does not submit any or he does not show up, the prosecutor will be forced to resolve the case based on the evidence we have presented,” stressed the lawyer.
Valmores filed the complaint before the DoJ last May 10 after recognizing on television Advincula.
Advincula held a press conference last May 6 when he revealed himself as the hooded Bikoy in the viral “Ang Totoong Narcolist” videos which accused a number of individuals, including members of the Duterte family, of being involved in the illegal drugs trade.
Valmores complaint stemmed from the event Miss Scenti Essencia Amabassadress 2018 which was held in Polangui Albay on August 11, 2018.
The event was organized by Advincula who was only then an independent distributor or seller of Ardeur’s perfume products.
“Said pageant utilized complainant’s corporate name and logo in the promotional activities without the knowledge, authorization and consent of the corporation,” read the complaint.
“Respondent never attended the Coronation Night and became unreachable thereafter, leaving all the members of the production staff unpaid,” it added. (Jeffrey Damicog)