Bikoy on the Ballot: Peter Joemel Advincula’s Senate Bid Amid Legal Troubles
BIKOY – Ex-whistleblower Peter Joemel “Bikoy” Advincula is running as a senator in next year’s elections.
Peter Joemel Advincula, the man behind the notorious “Bikoy” videos that stirred significant controversy in 2019, is officially entering the political arena by running for the Senate in the upcoming elections. He submitted his certificate of candidacy on the final day of the filing period, October 8, as an independent candidate.
Advincula, who gained notoriety for his allegations connecting former President Rodrigo Duterte’s family and allies to the illegal drug trade, has faced significant legal challenges. In 2023, he was convicted of perjury after falsely claiming that opposition figures had conspired to oust Duterte.
Despite his tumultuous past, Advincula downplayed his legal issues during a recent press conference. He mentioned that his case is currently “on appeal” and believes he has a valid reason to pursue a Senate seat.
“That case involves moral turpitude,” Advincula stated, hinting at the complexities surrounding his situation but refraining from discussing the details further. His candidacy, he explained, was influenced by various groups that encouraged him to run. He described his decision as both “personal” and “collective,” asserting that he believes his presence in the Senate could benefit the public.
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According to the report, in addition to his Senate ambitions, Advincula made it clear that he would not support any impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte. He outlined his platform, focusing on reforming the correctional system and proposing a bill to create a centralized correctional facility. His vision includes ensuring that those incarcerated would not be idle, emphasizing the need for a genuine reform program supported by the community.
Advincula’s journey has been tumultuous; he initially accused high-profile figures of drug involvement but later recanted, claiming he was coerced into making those allegations by opposition members. In May 2023, he received a sentence of three months to over a year for his perjury conviction.
When asked about his qualifications beyond being a whistleblower, Advincula confidently stated, “I am not ignorant.” He emphasized his awareness of current events and expressed a desire to contribute positively to society.