De Lima defends PAO’s representation of Napoles in Senate inquiry | Inquirer News

De Lima defends PAO’s representation of Napoles in Senate inquiry

/ 05:20 PM November 06, 2013

DOJ Sec. Leila de Lima INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Justice Secretary Leila De Lima on Wednesday defended the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) for representing pork-barrel scam principal accused Janet Lim Napoles to the Senate inquiry on Thursday.

She said representing Napoles, even if she is not an indigent “is well within the authority of the Senate.

Article continues after this advertisement

There is a portion under the PAO Law where government agencies can direct the PAO to provide legal assistance to other persons “in the exigency of the service,” De Lima said.

FEATURED STORIES

PAO Chief Persida Rueda-Acosta said they will send three most senior public lawyers to assist Janet Lim-Napoles.

De Lima said there is no conflict even if the PAO is an attached agency of the Department of Justice, who, through the National Bureau of Investigation is investigating Napoles and others implicated in the scam.

Article continues after this advertisement

“PAO are public defenders. They are on the other side of the fence or the other side of the ball game when it comes to cases, litigations,” De Lima explained.

Article continues after this advertisement

RELATED STORIES:

Article continues after this advertisement

PAO: We are compelled by law to represent Napoles

With or without lawyer, Napoles must appear in Senate—Drilon

Article continues after this advertisement

Kapunan withdraws as Napoles’ lawyer

Janet Napoles and the pork barrel scam

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

TAGS: Leila de Lima, PAO, PAO Law, pork scam

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.