A Twitter user noticed that Rep. Gary Alejano of the Magdalo party-list got linked to himself in the new matrix of supposed ouster plotters that presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo released three days ago.
The user shared a zoomed-in version of the matrix assuming the supposed connections of website administrator Rodel Jayme—who created anti-Duterte website Metro Balita—to different personalities such as Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV, a staunch administration critic.
Potah si Gary Alejano nakalink sa sarili nya pic.twitter.com/QWGkh6YXQ5
— tanga ng pilipinas yeah.. (@dlaregarch) May 8, 2019
However, no other tagged personalities in the matrix show up twice, except Alejano.
It was an observation that other Twitter users noticed as well, with some even wondering if the Magdalo representative has a twin.
Alejano, for his part, dismissed the allegations, calling the release of a diagram without concrete proof as “an abuse of power” on Malacañang’s part. He said it is “meant to destroy the image of the opposition before the electorate.”
“I categorically state that I am not involved in the Bikoy videos and have not conspired with anybody to produce such videos. I do not know Bikoy and have not met him ever,” part of his statement reads.
Alejano previously dared President Duterte and Panelo to resign following the release of the first matrix on April 22, 2019.
“The actions of Malacañang regarding the ‘Oust Duterte’ matrix are utterly irresponsible. I call on the Spokesperson Panelo and President Duterte to resign,” he said in a statement.
The Palace on May 8, 2019 revealed an expanded version of the matrix that was initially shown in April.
It tagged the Liberal Party, the Magdalo party-list, some media outlets and personalities such as television show host Gretchen Ho and Olympic weightlifting medalist Hidilyn Diaz as part of a supposed destabilization plot against Duterte.
Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson recently criticized the matrix and tweeted that “Bikoy had infiltrated NSA” because of the unexpected inclusion of Ho and Diaz, among others.
Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, meanwhile, said that the personalities might have just disliked Duterte and was not necessarily involved in supposedly ousting him.
“Ang tingin ko ‘yan ‘yung mga listahan ng mga tingin nila, asar kay president,” he said in an interview.
