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DAVAO CITY - The spokesperson of president-elect Rodrigo Duterte, Peter Lavinia, yesterday
said he was thankful that the long arm of the law finally caught up with the sinister groups
and individuals duping the public by using his name to solicit donations from hapless
victims.
Lavinas issued the statement following a report that four alleged extortionists were arrested
in an entrapment by the police authorities after soliciting money from the Bank of Philippine
Islands (BPI) in Manila Friday, supposedly as donation for Dutertes thanksgiving party which
is set Saturday.
In an interview with the Manila Bulletin, Lavina said he had long known about the extortion
activities of unknown groups after receiving calls inquiring about the veracity of solicitations
being made under his name.
This dates back even during the campaign period, Lavina said, adding that he had been
alerted by many of his friends from both private companies and government agencies.
That is why I issued statements before in both mainstream and social media not to
entertain any solicitations because I never do this and it is not my style, Lavina added.
This has become nationwide, Lavina explained as cited that among the agencies
approached by the extortionist were the Philippine Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR)
Department of Energy (DOE) Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Central
Bank and even individuals as far as Maguindanao province.
The extortionists cited the inauguration of president elect Rodrigo Duterte and funds for the
transition team as the main reasons for the solicitations, Lavina said.
He said that these sinister groups even had the gall to tell their intended victims to come to
Davao City to have a personal meeting with Duterte.
After the arrest of an extortionist in Manila, Lavina immediately issued a statement saying:
Thank God, the long arms of the law have finally caught up with the sinister groups and
individuals duping the public using my name to solicit donations from hapless victims. These
people are not only after easy money, they are trying to besmirch my name and that of the
incoming president.