Panelo blames media for noting Diaz, Ho inclusion in Palace's latest 'matrix'

MANILA, Philippines — Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo shifted the blame on “some media outfits” for noting in reports that Olympic silver medallist Hidilyn Diaz and celebrity newscaster Gretchen Ho were included in yet another ouster matrix that he presented to reporters.

In a statement Friday, Panelo lamented that “some media outfits have put a spin on the Oust Duterte Matrix by instantly assuming and zeroing in on the supposed inclusion and participation” of Ho and Diaz.

Panelo’s take on inclusion of TV personality Gretchen Ho and Olympian Hidilyn Diaz on Palace diagram. | @xtinamen pic.twitter.com/jVPf336jwB

— The Philippine Star (@PhilippineStar) May 10, 2019

He noted that the two personalities were never mentioned in the briefing as part of the ouster plot, but media outfits have pointed out in their reports that Ho and Diaz’s names appear in the diagram.

The matrix—sans evidence and military confirmation of existence of such plot—also showed Rep. Gary Alejano (Magdalo party-list) being "linked" to himself.

FROM INTERAKSYON: Secret twin? Congressman gets linked to himself in expanded Palace ‘matrix’

Panelo said that the issue he was then discussing was in a Powerpoint presentation on Rodel Jayme and the inclusion of Ho and Diaz supposedly was “to visualize his character.”

“The diagram contained in said slide includes other accounts Mr. Jayme is actively following, to visualize his character, as well his political and social interests. It is in this context the names of Mses. Ho and Diaz appeared,” Panelo said.

READ: Duterte cool to raps vs those in Bikoy matrix

Jayme is the web administrator of metrobalita.net that, authorities said, constantly posted links to the "Ang Totoong Narcolist" videos that showed alleged ties between the Dutertes and the drug trade.

The Department of Justice charged Jayme with inciting to sedition before a Parañaque court.

EXPLAINER: Inside the inciting to sedition charge vs 'sharer' of 'Bikoy' videos

'Wrong analysis'

Panelo had the matrix printed on a cartolina that he posted on a board before members of the media. 

Gesturing to the cartolina, he said: “What is important now is it appears from this diagram that the Liberal Party, the Magdalo and the other groups indicated in the matrix are working hand-in-hand.”

He also read aloud some of the names included in the diagram which included Bong Banal, Kokoy Dayao and Jayme as “known to be advocates of the Liberal Party.”

Diaz and Ho were sought for comment and both were baffled at their inclusion in the supposed plan to boot out Duterte from office. Diaz pointed out that she has no time for scheming as she is preparing for international competitions. 

But Panelo, two days since he first presented the matrix that was supposedly vetted by no less than the Office of the President, said: “There has been a wrong analysis of the diagram by some media outfits which in turn made the basis of a wrong analysis and conclusions by readers and personalities including Mses. Ho and Diaz.”

He added: “We just hope that the faulty analysis made were not intentional with the sole purpose of casting doubt on the intelligence received and vetted by the Office of the President.”

At least two senators have casted doubt on the matrix supposedly showing a scheme between personalities to oust Duterte. 

READ: 'Matrix' evolution: From 'coup plotters' to just Duterte 'dislikers'

Senate President Vicente Sotto III said that he Diaz and Ho would "never" be destablizers, while Sen. Panfilo Lacson said the matrix lacks research. — with report from The STAR/Christina Mendez