No holds barred for Tuason when she faces Senate

Ruby Tuason. Photo by INQUIRER.net

MANILA,  Philippines—It’s a no holds barred  for  state witness Ruby Tuason when she faced the Senate  for the first time  on  Thursday to shed light  on the P10 billion “pork barrel” funds scam,  Senator  Teofisto Guingona  III said on  Tuesday.

Guingona is the chairman of the blue ribbon committee, which invited Tuason to testify in its inquiry into the “pork” scam.

Tuason’s  testimony, he said, would be relevant to the  investigation   as she could narrate how and where the scam was done.

Asked if  the state witness  would be restricted  from naming other personalities aside from those  who had already been reported in the media, Guingona said: “No, that’s not true. (It’s) a no holds barred.”

He said  the committee might also  take the opportunity  to ask Tuason about her involvement in the alleged anomalous use of the  Malampaya funds.

“Ms Tuason is also there so we will also ask her about the Malampaya,” said the senator.

Aside  from  Tuason,  Guingona said, the  committee also  invited  principal  whistleblower   Benhur Luy, and two other witnesses–Marina Sula and Merlina Suñas—to appear before the committee so they could  compare  their testimonies.

Asked   again if  the committee   would also ask detained businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles to also appear before the committee now  that  Tuason had surfaced,   Guingona said: “We’ll see , we will evaluate. But if her stand is the same as before –   I don’t remember, I don’t know, I deny  — then it might be an exercise in futility.”

Tuason  was Napoles’ alleged link to  Senators Juan Ponce-Enrile and   Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada,  who were also charged with  plunder at the Office of the Ombudsman in connection with the  alleged “pork barrel” scam.

RELATED STORIES

In The Know: Who is Ruby Tuason?

Enrile admits Ruby Tuason ‘a casual acquaintance’

Enrile, Estrada to steer clear of Tuason at Thursday’s hearing

Tuason backs Luy vs Enrile, Estrada

Read more...