Senate invites Ruby Tuason to ‘pork’ scam probe

By: Maila Ager - 11 years ago

Senator Teofisto Guingona III. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — The Senate blue ribbon committee will invite Ruby Tuason next week to shed light on the “pork barrel” scam.
“The blue ribbon committee will resume its investigation on PDAF scam on February 13 and will invite Ruby Tuason to shed more light on the issue,” said a statement on Friday issued by the office of committee chairman, Senator Teofisto Guingona III.

PDAF is Priority Development Assistance Fund also known as “pork barrel” funds.

During last week’s hearing on the scam, Guingona said the committee would now move on to the issue on the alleged anomalouse use of Malampaya funds.

The move was apparently prompted by Tuason’s sudden decision to return to the Philippines to face the charges filed against her in connection with the P10 billion “pork” scam.

Tuason was among those charged with plunder at the Office of the Ombusdman. She was former social secretary of then President and now Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada.

Estrada’s son, Senator Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada, is also facing plunder also in connection with the pork scam.

Senator Estrada, in radio interview, said he would welcome Tuason’s appearance in the committee.

“Ok lang. Call na ng chairman ng blue ribbon committee yan. Ako naman from the very start, nag inhibit na ako dyan,” said the senator.

(It’s okay. That’s the call of the blue ribbon committee. As far as I’m concerned, I’ve inhibited myself from the very start.)