Bikoy is an ‘unreliable narrator’

This refers to the news article “‘Bikoy’ changes tune in videos” (5/24/19). Peter Joemel Advincula’s storyline is obviously not consistent and clear.

He “came forward on May 6 claiming he was “Bikoy,” the hooded man in a series of videos dubbed “Ang Totoong Narcolist” that linked members of President Duterte’s family to the illegal drug trade.

He appeared again on Thursday saying his claims were false and that the videos were part of a plot by the opposition Liberal Party and Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV to unseat Mr. Duterte.

In literature, particularly in storytelling, we are reminded of a character known as an “unreliable narrator.” The story of an unreliable narrator cannot be taken at face value because he abruptly twists it.

In other words, he cannot tell his story objectively and is always deliberately deceptive. He clouds the truth and therefore he is an unreliable source of truth. In sum, an unreliable narrator is a liar.

How many more lies must we listen to from unreliable narrators? How many more lies must we tell? How many more political scandals must we endure because of lying?

It is very sad that there seems to be more lying lips in this country than helping hands. In our society, lying is weaving its way into the fabric of our society, and truth is now stranger than it used to be.

REGINALD B. TAMAYO
Assistant City Council Secretary
Marikina City