(Eagle News) – The Department of Justice has filed inciting to sedition charges against metrobalita.net webmaster Rodel Jayme because of his role in the “Ang Totoong Narcolist” videos which featured a man who identified himself as “Bikoy” who claimed that members of President Rodrigo Duterte’s family was involved in the illegal drug trade.
In a resolution, DOJ said that Jayme was liable for his role in the creation of the website that was eventually used to widely distribute the “Bikoy” videos.
The website was eventually taken down and deleted after the videos became viral.
Inciting to Section or Article 142 of the Revised Penal Code carries with it a maximum penalty of six years imprisonment.
Jayme, who earlier claimed to be a Liberal Party supporter, was charged before the Paranaque Regional Trial Court.
Jayme had earlier claimed he was ready to turn state witness and cooperate with the authorities regarding the controversial “Bikoy” videos. He claimed he did not upload the videos and that he just created the website under the impression that it would be used to post stories about the candidates of his client, whom he had identified as a Liberal Party supporter.
Jayme has also been tagged in a matrix released by Malacanang which detailed links to personalities allegedly connected to a plot to discredit the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte, and eventually the administration candidates, as the May 13 election day nears.
According to the Revised Penal Code, inciting to sedition can be slapped on a person who “shall utter seditious words or speeches, write, publish, or circulate scurrilous libels against the Republic of the Philippines or any of the duly constituted authorities thereof, or which tend to disturb or obstruct any lawful officer in executing the functions of his office.”
His action also would “tend to instigate others to cabal and meet together for unlawful purposes, or which suggest or incite people against the lawful authorities or to disturb the peace of the community, the safety and order of the Government, or who shall knowingly conceal such evil practices.”
(with a report from Moira Encina, Eagle News Service)
