The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) will issue a subpoena to Reina Mercedes, Isabela Vice Mayor Atty. Harold “Homer” Respicio for alleged violations involving inciting to sedition, inciting to rebellion, unlawful use of means of publication and unlawful utterances, as well as possible cyber-related offenses.
On May 22, Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) Undersecretary Aboy Paraiso, executed the complaint affidavit and was subsequently transmitted to the NBI for appropriate investigation, case build-up, and evidentiary assessment prior to the filing of appropriate charges before the Department of Justice (DOJ).
In a joint press conference with Paraiso and Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Precious Hipolito-Castelo, NBI Director Atty. Melvin Matibag said the agency will invite Respicio to explain his side regarding the remarks he made against the government which were streamed on social media.
He also read paragraph 7 of the affidavit which described Respicio in a public engagement and asked the audience what can be done if the foundational principle of the Constitution is not working anymore and was answered with a “revolution.”
Matibag clarified that their investigation on Respicio is not to curtail freedom of expression. “Lahat po ng ating karapatan ay may katumbas po na responsibilidad. At kapag yung karapatan ay lumabag na sa batas, ito ay hindi na karapatan. Ito ay pang-aabuso na at labag sa batas. We have to set an example, lalong-lalo na sa mga kabataan, na yung social media platform ay hindi dapat gamitin para sa mga iligal na gawain.”
The NBI chief added that Respicio is also a lawyer and may possibly face a disbarment case from the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP).
Meanwhile PCO Undersecretary Hipolito-Castelo supported the move of the CICC and advised the public to be observant, careful, and responsible when commenting and posting any social media platform.