Vice President Leni Robredo unfazed by charges

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Leni Robredo remains unperturbed by the filing of charges against her and other members of the opposition as well as Catholic clergy in connection with their alleged role in making and spreading the six-part “Ang Totoong Narcolist” videos.

“(The case) will just make you scratch your head. You don’t know whether you’ll be happy or frightened for the country,” Robredo said over radio station dzXL.

Last week, the Philippine National Police – Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) filed complaints of sedition/inciting to sedition, cyber libel, libel, estafa and harboring a criminal/obstruction of justice against Robredo and 34 others.

Robredo said she hopes the filing of charges against them is not a reflection of the “sloppiness” of the entire PNP.

“At first glance, you know already that (the witness) is a liar. It’s just two things: either (the PNP-CIDG) were used or they were using (the witness),” Robredo said, referring to Peter Joemel Advincula, who claims to be “Bikoy” in the narcolist videos.

Advincula was listed as respondent and witness at the same time.

Robredo also questioned the PNP-CIDG’s motive in filing the charges before the Department of Justice.

In the complaint, Advincula claimed that the respondents, particularly former senator Antonio Trillanes IV and Ateneo de Manila professor and Jesuit priest Albert Alejo used him to play the role of  “Bikoy” in the video presentation and spread lies against President Duterte, members of his family and some close friends.

The crime was allegedly committed at the Jesuit Communication Building on the Ateneo de Manila University campus in Loyola Heights in Quezon City between February and May this year.

Robredo, however, said they were busy going around the country to campaign for Otso Diretso senatorial candidates during those months.

“Of all places why in Ateneo? There are many people who would see us there,” she added.

The Vice President found the allegation “hilarious.”

“First of all, we’re not that dumb to imagine that we can topple the President whose ratings are very high,” she said.

Robredo added that there are many ways for the PNP-CIDG to verify the information provided by Advincula.

“That’s why I have the suspicion that it’s either they were used or they’re the ones using (Advincula),” Robredo said.

“Or maybe, they just want to put me in trouble and they use a liar as a witness,” she said.