Kapunan still Napoles’ lawyer until she files resignation—Makati RTC

Janet Lim Napoles and Atty. Lorna Kapunan. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Lawyer Lorna Kapunan, counsel of detained businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles, has not filed yet a written motion to resign as Napoles’ lawyer.

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima confirmed Wednesday the resignation of Kapunan but said she was not aware of the reason behind her resignation.

The Makati Regional Trial Court branch 150 clerk Diosfa Valencia told reporters that Kapunan remains to be the counsel of Napoles until she files a motion to withdraw before the court.

For the motion to withdraw to be approved by Makati RTC branch 150 Judge Elmo Alameda, Valencia said it must have a conformity with Napoles, the alleged brains behind the multi-billion pork barrel scam.

“So far we haven’t received any so the court will not grant anything. As of now, based on our records, she is still the counsel of Napoles,” she said.

But she assured that Kapunan’s withdrawal will not affect the case.

“The corroborating counsels will take over in case she formally withdraws unless Napoles hires a new counsel,” Valencia added.

The Makati RTC currently holds the serious illegal detention raps filed by pork barrel scam principal witness Benhur Luy against Napoles and her brother Reynald “Jojo” Lim.

In the bail petition hearing of Napoles Wednesday morning, Kapunan did not appear before the Makati Court.

One of the defense lawyers Alfredo Villamor refused to give comments to the media regarding the withdrawal of the head defense counsel.

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