Alleged ouster plots against Rodrigo Duterte
Since September 2018, allegations of an ouster plot against Rodrigo Duterte, the President of the Philippines, have been publicized by the military, who mainly implicated opposition figures and critics of the Duterte administration of involving in the plot. Several opposition groups who have been tagged heavily criticized their inclusion and subsequently denied the involvement in the plots.
"Red October" plot
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1e/Press_conference_of_student_activists_from_NCR_and_Bulacan_schools_denouncing_AFP_terror_tag.jpg/300px-Press_conference_of_student_activists_from_NCR_and_Bulacan_schools_denouncing_AFP_terror_tag.jpg)
- University of the Philippines in Diliman and Manila
- Polytechnic University of the Philippines
- Ateneo de Manila University
- De La Salle University
- University of Santo Tomas
- Adamson University
- Far Eastern University
- University of the East in Recto and Caloocan
- Emilio Aguinaldo College
- Eulogio "Amang" Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology
- San Beda University
- Lyceum of the Philippines University
- University of Makati (UMak)
- University of Caloocan City
- University of Manila and Philippine Normal University
- "Caloocan City College" (fictitious)
"Red October" is an alleged plot that was announced by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on September 24, 2018, who said that the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), opposition parties such as Liberal Party (LP) and the coalition of Tindig Pilipinas were behind the planning of the ouster plot.[3] One of the opposition being mentioned about the involvement is ousted Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno,[4] who subsequently denied the ousting or removal of the President.[5] Robredo made a statement on September 25, 2018, saying that linking the opposition to an ouster plot was a tactic used in during Martial law and the claim was baseless.[3] She and Senator Antonio Trillanes denied the plot involvement.[6] The Philippine National Police doubted about the plot.[7] The Makabayan bloc denied the involvement in the plot, although they admitted that they will hold a massive rally the next month.[8] Department of Labor and Employment Secretary Silvestre Bello III said that the plot is just hearsay and he added that ousting the President is impossible as Duterte is being given a strong support by the people.[9]
On September 25, the NBI and Philippine Army raided a farm house in Teresa, Rizal where they arrested a Chinese national Lily Ong and confiscated the high-calibre guns.[5] According to the NBI spokesperson Ferdinand Lavin, they have no evidence proving that Ong and the confiscated guns are connected to the New People's Army (NPA), as well as the "Red October" plot.[5] However, AFP spokesperson Brigadier General Edgard Arevalo said that Ong is connected to the rebel groups and she used the farm house as a hideout for NPA members.[5]
On October 4, the AFP provided the list of schools which were allegedly involved the plot:[2] Shortly after the list has emerged, representatives of the mentioned schools slammed AFP for being included in their plot, with some calling it "baseless and dangerous".[10] The CPP denied the existence of the plot.[11]
On October 18, PNP chief Oscar Albayalde said that the Lumad leaders, whom he met, claimed that the communist rebels were recruiting students in Lumad schools.[12]
"Bikoy" videos
On April 3, 2019, a series of video was uploaded by the account named "Totoong Narco-list" on YouTube, accusing Paolo Duterte, son of incumbent Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, for receiving money from a crime syndicate and using the brother of his brother-in-law as a dummy for the transactions.[13] The video shows the hooded-figure calling himself as "Bikoy" claiming that he worked for drug syndicates and "handled transaction records."[13] He presents the documents showing the multi-million bank transfers allegedly owned by Paolo Duterte and Waldo Carpio (brother of Sara Duterte's husband Manases Carpio).[13] At the end of the video, "Bikoy" claimed that Paolo has a dragon tattoo on his back.[13] A document "Bikoy" presented, called a "tara," is shown – "supposedly an internal document that lists down how much money is given to the "principals" or leaders of the drug syndicate."[14]
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo dismissed the video as black propaganda.[14] On April 4, President Duterte blamed the opposition party, which he called "yellows", saying that they are behind of making the video.[15] Senator Antonio Trillanes praised the content of the video.[16] Trillanes also challenged Paolo Duterte to show his back tattoo, but Paolo refuses to do so.[16]
On April 10, another video entitled "Ang Totoong Narco List - Episode 3" was uploaded on YouTube, this time implicates senatorial candidate Bong Go, whom "Bikoy" claimed that Go is involved in an illegal drug trade and also has a dragon tattoo on his back allegedly "containing the alphanumeric code of his drug transactions."[17] Go dismisses the video as a "clear" black propaganda against him and the administration.[17] To prove that he has no dragon tattoo, Go took off his shirt to the media, showing his back.[17] Go again showed off his back on May 6.[18] On April 17, Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Menardo Guevarra had ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to begin the investigation into the video.[19]
On April 30, the NBI arrested Rodel Jayme at his home upon the orders of Makati Regional Trial Court for sharing the "Bikoy" videos.[20] Jayme was charged for "inciting to sedition" by the DOJ.[21] He said that he only created the website, MetroBalita.net, hosting the anti-Duterte videos but denied that he was responsible for its content.[21] Liberal Party (LP) has denied the involvement of sharing the "Bikoy" videos.[22] On May 3, Jayme said that he is ready to become a "state witness" to name the person behind the videos.[23] He also admitted that he supports LP and he has a photo of him and Vice President Leni Robredo – which has since been spread online by opposition critics.[23]
On May 6, a man named Peter Joemel Advincula claiming to be the hooded-figure "Bikoy" surfaces on the public.[24] In a press conference held at the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP), Advincula asked for legal assistance to sue Paolo Duterte and Bong Go and also denied the links of any political position or LP politicians.[25][26] Advincula reiterated his statements that Paolo Duterte, Go and others are part of a drug syndicate operating in Misibis Bay, Albay.[25]
On May 7, Senator Antonio Trillanes and Magdalo Representative Gary Alejano rejected the allegations that they have ties with Jayme.[27] On May 8, Senate President Tito Sotto said that, in 2016, Advincula had made the same accusations against the officials of then-Aquino administration. A sworn statement claimed that then-President Benigno Aquino III, Interior Secretary Mar Roxas, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima "were patrons of the "Quadrangle" drug syndicate." Prior to this, in 2012, according to Advincula, he was sued for estafa and was given a 6-year jail sentence but was released four years later for good behavior.[28] Following Sotto's revelation, Senator Panfilo Lacson has canceled a Senate committee hearing on Advincula's allegations.[29] On May 8, the IBP declined Advincula's request for legal assistance to sue Duterte and Go.[30] Guevarra has issued an ultimatum to Advincula to surrender to the NBI, otherwise he will be charged with "inciting to sedition" like Jayme.[31]
"Bikoy's" allegations against Liberal Party and other opposition members
On May 23, Advincula surrendered to the Camp Crame, where he retracted the statement by claiming to the public that the videos were "orchestrated" by LP and Senator Trillanes. He also said that he was set to receive ₱500,000 in exchange appearing in the video.[32] Advincula said that the statement in the five episodes were all scripted.[33][34] The script was allegedly prepared by Trillanes and LP members in an effort to sabotage the administration-backed senatorial candidates (from Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP)) in the 2019 elections.
Advincula then issued an apology to the Duterte family[35] and denied that Go has a dragon tattoo on his back.[36] Afterwards, Advincula revealed an operation called "Project Sodoma", whose alleged goal was to overthrow Duterte from office and the installation of opposition officials to positions of power; then-Vice President Leni Robredo would become President and Trillanes be appointed as Vice President. The project also implicated other senators such as Risa Hontiveros and Leila de Lima.[37]
Robredo and members of the opposition have denied the allegations from Advincula,[38][39] with Liberal Party President Kiko Pangilinan, suspecting that the administration might have threatened Advincula into retracting his statement.[38] Opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros made a statement, saying that "Bikoy" exposé is "absurd" and his surrender is the "product of Malacanang's 'wild imagination.'"[40] Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte issued a statement, saying that "Bikoy" is a "scam created by people who oppose the Duterte administration."[35] However, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana urged the public not to believe Advincula's statement and he also suspected that his motivation is to "save himself."[41]
On May 25, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said that Trillanes may soon face another imprisonment following Advincula's tagging of the latter as the mastermind of producing the videos.[42]
During a Senate hearing on May 27, the Philippine National Police (PNP) began investigating Advincula's claims as well as the alleged involvement of Trillanes and LP members.[34] Trillanes denied Advincula's allegations of ousting the President.[43] Trillanes also revealed that he met Advincula in August 2018, along with other priests; Advincula said that he sought refuge to the church as the syndicates who are involved in the illegal drug trade were followed him to "liquidate" him.[43] However, after listening to Advincula, he found the ambiguity in Advincula's story, prompting Trillanes to set it aside.[44] By February 2019, the priests approached him and presented the documents supposedly containing the bank transactions of drug syndicates.[43][44] He, however, advised them to wait for the validation from the local and international groups.[44] By the time the series of "Bikoy" videos emerged on YouTube, Trillanes was in abroad at the time where he denied the involvement in producing the videos.[43][44][45]
On June 7, 2019, Caloocan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David stated that he had met briefly with Advincula on February 9, 2019 but denied the latter's claim of Trillanes meeting with the former.[46] On the same day, a report from the PTV stated that Advincula had submitted his sworn affidavit to the police. According to his affidavit, Advincula had met the certain priest, Fr. Ruben Reyes, due to financial problems in Bicol Region,[47] to the point where he is vowed for a job with a salary of ₱25,000 every month.[48] It was revealed that Fr. Albert Alejo told Advincula to call his cover name "Bikoy".[49] Aside from vowed to receive ₱500,000 allegedly from Senator Trillanes, Trillanes had used the code name "Stella" as a "payment for his service".[50] The affidavit also stated that, on March 4, 2019, Advincula had a meeting with the Otso Diretso candidates (except Mar Roxas), up to the point where the first episode of the video had started.[51] The affidavit, however, is yet to be validated by the police.[52]
Charges by the CIDG
- Leni Robredo
- Leila de Lima, Senator
- Risa Hontiveros, Senator
- Antonio Trillanes, then-Senator
- Otso Diretso candidates (except Mar Roxas)
- Socrates Villegas, Archbishop of Lingayen-Dagupan
- Pablo Virgilio David, Bishop of Kalookan
- Honesto Ongtioco, Bishop of Cubao
- Teodoro Bacani Jr., Bishop-emeritus of Novaliches
- Albert Alejo SJ priest
- Robert Reyes, priest
- Bro. Armin Luistro FSC, former Education secretary
- Atty. Theodore Te, former Supreme Court spokesperson
- Some IBP officials
On July 19, 2019, the PNP–Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) filed charges against Vice President Robredo, all members (but Mar Roxas) of Otso Diretso and other members of opposition members for "sedition, cyber libel, libel, estafa, harboring a criminal, and obstruction of justice".[53] De Lima, Robredo, bishops and other opposition figures who were tagged in the case criticized the PNP for being charged based on allegations.[54][55] Former Senator Antonio Trillanes claimed the charges against him were political persecution and harassment by the Duterte administration.[56]
On July 23, ABS-CBN News reported that the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) had been involved in drafting the affidavit of Advincula.[57] Advincula's lawyer, Larry Gadon, insisted that he created the affidavit alone.[57] Gadon also stated that he is in favor to impeach Robredo should the latter indicted in the case.[58] On July 27, the DOJ announced that the preliminary investigation will be conducted on August 9, 2019 on the sedition complaint filed against the above-mentioned person.[59] On the same day, a group called "Team Pilipinas" came to DOJ headquarters to call Guevara to junk the complaint against Robredo.[59]
On August 20, Solicitor General Jose Calida revealed that the videos were published through the server of Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU).[60]
"Oust Duterte" matrix
On April 22, 2019, President Duterte released to the public the diagram called "Oust Duterte matrix", which containing the destabilization efforts by media organizations and journalists against him.[61][62] The details about the alleged ouster plot was first published by The Manila Times chairman emeritus Dante Ang.[63] On the same day, according to Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo, the source of the matrix is from the Duterte himself.[61][64] Among the organizations included in the matrix are Ellen Tordesillas of Vera Files, online news site Rappler, Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ), and lawyer group National Union of Peoples' Lawyers (NUPL) — all of them are critical of the Duterte administration.[63][65][66] It also includes the name only known as "Bikoy", the hooded-figure in the viral video accusing some members of the Duterte family involving in a drug syndicate.[63][67] Malacañang said that they will not press charges against the media which tagged in the ouster plot.[64] The Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police stated that they did not find any credible plot to oust Duterte.[68] President Duterte's daughter, Sara Duterte, also expressed her doubt on the authenticity and accuracy of the matrix.[69]
On May 1, Panelo said that proving the ouster matrix is "totally unnecessary."[70] However, on May 2, Panelo retracted the April 22 statement, saying he got the source of the matrix via text message from "somebody" and denied that Duterte done anything in the matrix.[71] Panelo also claimed that that Office of the President was relayed to Dante Ang.[72] The next day, Panelo insisted that he never changed his statement.[73]
On May 8, Malacañang released another diagram, this time accusing Liberal Party and Magdalo Group of conspiring to remove Duterte from office.[74][75] Panelo said that the President Duterte "himself has received intelligence information"[76] and that conspiracy also includes the media.[75] The personalities linked to the conspiracy includes Otso Diretso senatorial candidates, Senator Antonio Trillanes, former Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda and even also included Communist leader Jose Maria Sison, Rio Olympics silver medalist Hidilyn Diaz, and television host Gretchen Ho. Their names in the matrix claimed to have a "collaboration" with Rodel Jayme, who was arrested on April 30 for sharing the "Totoong Narco-list" videos featuring hooded-figure "Bikoy"[20] – whose identity was claimed by Peter Joemel Advincula to the public on May 6.[24][75] Duterte said that he has no plans to file charges against the personalities and groups included in the matrix.[77]
The diagrams were criticized by numerous personalities.[78][74][79] Hidilyn Diaz, who was included in the matrix, criticized the inclusion of her name as she was preparing for the upcoming Tokyo 2020 Olympics.[80] Diaz denied the acquaintance of Rodel Jayme.[81] Ho said that she was surprised to see her name and also noted that she mainly focuses reporting about lifestyle and sports, not the reports that could be deem "destabilizing."[80] The organizations and journalists named in the matrix also criticized it. They allege that the matrix was a way harassment by the Palace against journalists and organization who have criticized the war on drugs.[66][82][83] Maria Ressa made a similar statement and also called the matrix "another Palace ploy to harass journalists."[66]
A picture of Panelo holding the diagram was turned into a meme endorsing the opposition candidates for the 2019 Philippine Senate election. He denounced it in an official statement as a "malicious use of his image for black propaganda and political mudslinging".[84]
See also
References
- ^ "Universities deny alleged 'Red October' involvement". The Philippine Star.
- ^ a b "AFP bares universities linked to alleged 'Red October' plot". The Philippine Star. Retrieved October 5, 2018.
- ^ a b "Linking critics to Red October destab plot a Martial Law tactic —Robredo". GMA News. Retrieved September 27, 2018.
- ^ "Duterte faces 'Red October' ouster plot - military officials". ABS-CBN News.
- ^ a b c d "'Kaugnayan sa NPA' ng naarestong Chinese, pinasisilip". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved September 27, 2018.
- ^ "Communists raise martial law fears over 'fictional' oust-Duterte plot". ABS-CBN News.
- ^ "PNP unsure of 'Red October' oust Duterte plot". GMA News. Retrieved September 27, 2018.
- ^ "Makabayan solons deny 'Red October' destab plot". UNTV News. Retrieved September 27, 2018.
- ^ "'Red October' is just hearsay; no one can oust a popular president – Bello". UNTV News. Retrieved September 27, 2018.
- ^ "Schools slam military for linking them to Red October plot". Rappler.
- ^ "CPP: People would bring down Duterte not 'Red October'". Davao Today. Archived from the original on October 5, 2018. Retrieved October 5, 2018.
- ^ "Albayalde urges probe on alleged Red recruitment in Lumad schools". ABS-CBN News.
- ^ a b c d "PNP to track down man in 'Totoong Narco List' video". Rappler.
- ^ a b "Malacañang dismisses 'Totoong Narco List' video as a black propaganda". Rappler.
- ^ "Duterte blames Trillanes, 'yellows' for viral video linking Paolo to illegal drugs". Rappler.
- ^ a b "Trillanes challenges Paolo Duterte to show tattoo: 'Ang dami mo pang arte'". ABS-CBN News.
- ^ a b c "Bong Go takes off shirt to prove he has no tattoo". ABS-CBN News.
- ^ "Bong Go bares back anew after 'Bikoy' surfaces". ABS-CBN News.
- ^ "Legal questions on the arrest of 'Bikoy' video sharer". Rappler.
- ^ a b "Man arrested just for sharing 'Bikoy' videos". Rappler.
- ^ a b "DOJ indicts 'Bikoy' video sharer for inciting to sedition". ABS-CBN News.
- ^ "LP denies alleged links to 'Bikoy' videos". ABS-CBN News.
- ^ a b "Potential state witness: Web admin who may link LP and Magdalo to Bikoy videos". Rappler.
- ^ a b "'Bikoy' surfaces, claims threats to life". The Philippine Star.
- ^ a b "Bikoy surfaces, asks help from IBP to sue Paolo Duterte, Bong Go". Rappler.
- ^ "'Bikoy' seeks legal aid, denies links to Otso Diretso". ABS-CBN News.
- ^ "Trillanes, Alejano reject Magdalo 'link' to 'Bikoy' video webmaster". ABS-CBN News.
- ^ "'Bikoy' in 2016 tried to link Aquino admin to drug ring: Sotto". ABS-CBN News.
- ^ "'Enough of this nonsense': Lacson cancels Senate hearing on 'Bikoy' allegations". ABS-CBN News.
- ^ "IBP declines Bikoy's request for legal aid". Rappler.
- ^ "DOJ's ultimatum for Bikoy: Bring your evidence to NBI or face sedition charges". Rappler.
- ^ "'Bikoy' says claims in videos are lies, tags LP, Trillanes". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on May 23, 2019. Retrieved May 23, 2019.
- ^ "'Bikoy': Entire 'Ang Totoong Narcolist' fabricated; LP was mastermind". Philippine Daily Inquirer.
- ^ a b "LP wants to oust Duterte, install Robredo as president – Bikoy". The Manila Times. Archived from the original on May 23, 2019. Retrieved May 23, 2019.
- ^ a b "Sara Duterte: 'Bikoy a scam'". ABS-CBN News.
- ^ "Bong Go has no dragon tattoo, says man claiming to be 'Bikoy'". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved May 23, 2019.
- ^ "Project Sodoma: 'Bikoy' says opposition wanted Duterte ousted". Philippine Daily Inquirer.
- ^ a b "Robredo, opposition deny meeting, conniving with 'lying' Bikoy". CNN Philippines. Archived from the original on 2019-05-26. Retrieved 2019-05-26.
- ^ "Robredo, Liberal Party: We never met 'Bikoy'". The Philippine Star.
She also pointed out that Advincula's credibility was in doubt when he was accusing Go and the Dutertes, but has seemingly been restored now that he has changed his tune. "When the videos were released, it seemed like his credibility was shot down. What I don't understand is now that the opposition is being accused, all of a sudden, he is again credible," she said. "So it's suspicious. It's suspicious that those who were saying this person is a liar, that he shouldn't be trusted, and now that it's not you who are being accused, that it's now the opposition, all of a sudden, we need to hear him out," she added.
- ^ "'Bikoy' turnaround a product of Malacañang's 'wild imagination': Hontiveros". ABS-CBN News.
- ^ "Lorenzana on 'Bikoy': ' He has been lying at every turn'". The Manila Times. Archived from the original on May 24, 2019.
- ^ "'Bikoy' videos may send Trillanes back to jail – Palace". CNN Philippines. Archived from the original on 2019-05-26. Retrieved 2019-05-26.
- ^ a b c d "Trillanes denies hand in Bikoy videos". The Philippine Star.
- ^ a b c d "Trillanes denies links to Bikoy: 'He failed our vetting process'". Rappler.
- ^ "Trillanes admits priests brought 'Bikoy' in Aug 2018; says Bikoy failed vetting". ABS-CBN News.
- ^ "Caloocan bishop says he met 'Bikoy,' not Trillanes". Philippine Daily Inquirer.
- ^ "PTV: Hun 7, 2019". 0:55–1:05.
- ^ "PTV: Hun 7, 2019". 1:05–1:11.
- ^ "PTV: Hun 7, 2019". 1:11-1:18. "T: Bakit Bikoy ang pangalan o ang tawag sa iyo dito? / S: Ito po ang sinabi sa akin ni Father Robert Alejo na kung tanongin [sic] ang pangalan ko ang sabihin ko daw po ay Bikoy."
- ^ "PTV: Hun 7, 2019". 1:32–1:43. "Bukod pa sa pangakong P500,000 umano ni Senador Antonio Trillanes na may code name umanong "STELLA", bilang kabayaran sa kanyang serbisyo."
- ^ "PTV: Hun 7, 2019". 1:42–1:57. "March 4, 2019, nagpulong na umano sila, kasama ang kandidato ng Otso Diretso na hindi kasama si dating DILG Secretary Mar Roxas at kung saan Marso na rin nagsimula ang unang video recording sa unang episode."
- ^ "PTV: Hun 7, 2019". 2:02-.
- ^ a b "Robredo, ilang taga-oposisyon kinasuhan ng PNP-CIDG ukol sa 'Bikoy' videos". ABS-CBN News (in Tagalog).
- ^ "De Lima: Raps over 'Bikoy' videos 'pure hogwash'". ABS-CBN News.
- ^ "Sedition raps: Solons, bishop hit 'stupid' PNP". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved July 20, 2019.
- ^ "Trillanes blasts sedition charges against opposition figures". ABS-CBN News.
"The filing of cases against key members of the opposition are clear acts of political persecution and harassment by the Duterte administration meant to stifle democratic dissent," Trillanes said in a statement.... ..."Anu't-ano pa man, haharapin ko ito at gagamitin kong pagkakataon na mailabas ang kaugnayan ni Duterte sa ilegal na droga," Trillanes said. "The filing of cases against key members of the opposition are clear acts of political persecution and harassment by the Duterte administration meant to stifle democratic dissent," Trillanes said in a statement. "Anu't-ano pa man, haharapin ko ito at gagamitin kong pagkakataon na mailabas ang kaugnayan ni Duterte sa ilegal na droga," Trillanes said. (Whatever happens, I will face this and take this opportunity to prove Duterte's links to illegal drug operations.)
- ^ a b "Office of the Solicitor General involved in drafting Bikoy affidavit?". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved July 27, 2019.
- ^ "Abogado ni 'Bikoy' planong ipa-impeach si Robredo". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved July 27, 2019.
"If Mrs. Robredo is indicted, then that could be the next step, the impeachment proceedings against her... That's my plan only," sabi ni Gadon sa ANC nitong Huwebes.
- ^ a b "Kaso vs Leni, iba pa iimbestigahan na simula Agosto 9". ABS-CBN News (in Tagalog). Retrieved July 27, 2019.
- ^ "Calida: Bikoy's Narcolist videos published using Ateneo server". Rappler.
- ^ a b "Human rights law group calls Oust Duterte plot 'rubbish'". Rappler. Retrieved April 22, 2019.
Duterte added: "Is it Monday tomorrow? It will be released. I will release it. I don't know where the information came from. It just reached my table. But based on how it was written, I know it's not from a Filipino. We just revised and translated it. It wasn't written in our language."
- ^ "OUST-DUTERTE PLOT BARED". The Manila Times. Archived from the original on April 22, 2019.
- ^ a b c "Mga mamamahayag, abogado dawit sa 'Oust Duterte' plot: Palasyo". ABS-CBN News.
- ^ a b "Palace won't press charges against mediamen tagged in oust Duterte plot". Manila Bulletin. Archived from the original on 2019-04-22. Retrieved 2019-05-09.
"Sa ngayon [hindi magsasampa ng kaso] kasi (We will not press charges for now but) if the plot thickens and they perform acts which are already violation of the penal laws, then that's a different story," he continued.
- ^ "Palace confirms existence of 'Oust-Duterte plot'". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved April 22, 2019.
- ^ a b c "'False, garbage' – Maria Ressa, Ellen Tordesillas, PCIJ on Duterte 'ouster plot'". Rappler.
Rappler CEO Ressa called the report, which contained a web-like matrix implicating journalists and lawyers, "garbage" and said it is "another Palace ploy to harass journalists." "It's embarrassing for supposed 'intelligence' using i2 analyst notebook software to make fantasies look plausible. Go back to the drawing board. I've worked with many good folks in PH intelligence. Sad to see them reduced to garbage. Yet another Palace ploy to harass journalists," Ressa tweeted.
- ^ "Palace-vetted conspiracy matrix has errors". The Philippine Star.
- ^ "Military, police: No credible plot to oust Duterte". GMA News.
- ^ "Sara Duterte says 'Oust Duterte matrix' source should come out". Rappler.
Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte is not completely convinced by the 'Oust Duterte matrix' published by Manila Times alleging certain media entities are behind the 'Bikoy' videos that accuse Duterte family members and Bong Go of links to illegal drugs. 'Hindi ko alam. Mas maganda siguro kung lalabas 'yung source, kung sino 'yung source na gumawa ng matrix,' she said on Monday, April 22, in Cotabato City. (I don't know. Maybe it's better if the source who released it, the source who made the matrix, comes out.)
- ^ "'Totally unnecessary' for Duterte to prove 'ouster matrix' – Malacañang". Rappler.
- ^ "Panelo backtracks, says copy of 'Oust Duterte' matrix from unknown source". ABS-CBN News.
But on Thursday, Panelo changed his tune, saying he got a copy of the matrix via a text message from "somebody." (President Duterte didn't give anything. Someone sent me a matrix. I told you that someone sent me a text.) "He (Duterte) asked me to discuss it in the briefing- 'yung matrix- and then somebody sent me a matrix. Eh di 'yun ang nire-refer niyang matrix wala namang ibang matrix (that's the same matrix, there is no other matrix)," he added.
- ^ "Panelo now says 'matrix' not from Duterte". Philippine Daily Inquirer.
On Thursday, Panelo claimed that Ang's source for the story was from the Office of the President.
- ^ "Panelo insists he did not backtrack on ouster matrix source". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved May 4, 2019.
- ^ a b "'For the nth time,' alleged plotters dispute Malacañang's 'matrix'". The Philippine Star.
"This is the nth time that the administration, when confronted with controversy, falsely accuses the LP of being involved in ouster plots. Gawa-gawa lang 'yan," Sen. Francis Pangilinan, LP president and Otso Diretso campaign manager, said in a message to reporters. "Ang hindi gawa-gawa na dapat nilang ipaliwanag ay bakit walang nahuhuli na mga drug lord o pinaparusahan na opisyal ng Customs sa paulit-ulit na pagpuslit ng toneladang shabu sa [Bureau of Customs]. Yan ang dapat nilang aksyunan," he also said. (What isn't made up and what they should explain is why no drug lords have been arrested and why no Customs officials have been held to account for the repeated entry of tons of shabu through the BoC. That's what they should take action on.)
- ^ a b c "In new 'matrix,' Palace claims Liberal Party, Magdalo in cahoots to oust Duterte". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved May 9, 2019.
- ^ "Pagpapalabas ng 'Oust Duterte' matrix, 'trial by publicity': eksperto". ABS-CBN News. (0:14) Panelo: "The Office of the President... the President himself has received informations... intelligence informations that has been validated and appears to show that there is deliberate attempt to discredit this administration as well as to boosts candidacies of the oppositions..."
- ^ "PRRD 'not interested' to file cases vs. groups in matrices". Philippine News Agency.
- ^ "3 opposition bets hit Panelo for 'Oust Duterte' matrix 'mess'". Philippine Daily Inquirer.
- ^ "Lacson mocks inclusion of Diaz, Ho in oust-Duterte matrix". GMA News.
- ^ a b "'Wag po kayong ganun': Hidilyn Diaz blasts inclusion in 'Oust Duterte' matrix". ABS-CBN News.
- ^ "Hidilyn Diaz, Gretchen Ho tagged in Palace 'matrix', deny knowledge of video sharer". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved May 9, 2019.
- ^ "NUPL on 'rubbish' oust-Duterte matrix: We're too busy defending human rights". ABS-CBN News.
- ^ (0:01) "Isang malaking kasinungalingan at kalokohan ang matrix ng Malacañang, ayon sa mga mamahayag na napabilang sa listahan, basta na lang daw nitong inilabas ng Malacañang na wala man lang kasamang ebidensya." (ABS-CBN News, May 3, 2019)
- ^ "Panelo cries foul over matrix meme endorsing opposition". CNN Philippines. Archived from the original on 11 May 2019. Retrieved 11 May 2019.
External links
- "TIMELINE: The 'Bikoy' controversy". Rappler.