Drilon Signs Subpoena to Summon Napoles at Senate ‘Pork’ Probe

Senate President Franklin Drilon stated on Wednesday that he has agreed to sign the subpoena calling Janet Lim-Napoles, the suspected mastermind in the P10-billion ‘pork’ scam, to appear in the Senate blue ribbon committee investigation.

The Senate President’s announcement came after weeks of refusal, Gma news online said.

In a privilege speech, Drilon said “I have decided to sign the subpoena to require Janet Napoles to appear before the Senate blue ribbon committee.”

Reports said Drilon’s move has preempted a Senate caucus, where senators are supposed to decide on whether or not to summon suspect Napoles to the investigation.

Senators Jinggoy Estrada, Juan Ponce Enrile and Ramon Bong Revilla are facing plunder charges before the Office of the Ombudsman for their alleged involvement in the ‘pork barrel’ scam, which was reportedly engineered by Napoles, Gma news online said on Wednesday.

Reports said before his announcement, Drilon expressed how his initial decision to heed Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales’ advice not to summon Napoles was “misconstrued” as an attempt for a “cover-up.”

“I must lead in restoring the confidence in the Senate. I have always adhered with the rule of law. I am therefore appalled that there are talks of a cover-up. I have never been a part of any cover-up,” Drilon said.

Drilon added that the widespread public outrage against the alleged misuse of ‘pork barrel’ funds has prompted his decision to sign the subpoena.

Gma news online reported Drilon having said his initial stand on the Napoles subpoena “created an opportunity for certain members of the opposition particularly those who seek to block our anti-corruption reforms, to conduct a media vilification campaign” against him and the Aquino administration.

Jueteng whistleblower Sandra Cam, early this week, has accused Drilon of knowing Napoles well but Drilon earlier admitted to meeting Napoles in social gatherings, but denied transacting with her on public funds, Gma news online reported.

Immediately after Drilon’s speech, Senator Estrada reportedly stood up to express support for the Senate President’s decision to summon Napoles. Senator Revilla earlier said he favors Napoles’ appearance in the Senate investigation on the issue.

Senator Estrada said “We ought to know the truth. If Mrs. Napoles will be summoned by the Senate and if she appears before the Senate blue ribbon committee, I hope she bares everything, she will tell the truth.”

Senator Teofisto Guingona III, who heads the blue ribbon panel, noted that Napoles should first seek permission from the court before testifying in the congressional investigation.

“Kailangan may court permssion iyon dahil ang court ang may jurisdiction kay Napoles,” Guingona said in a separate interview.

The online news reported Guingona having said he will leave it to the Philippine National Police (PNP) to determine the details on how Napoles can be transferred from her detention area to the Senate. He also reminded Napoles’ camp that they cannot turn down the Senate subpoena.

Janet Lim-Napoles is currently detained in Laguna for a serious illegal detention case. She is also facing plunder charges before the Office of the Ombudsman for her alleged involvement in the pork barrel and Malampaya Fund scams.

She and her husband, Jamie, were also named respondents by the Bureau of Internal Revenue in a P61-million tax evasion complaint, Gma news online reported.

Source: Gma news online