If asked to appear in Senate, Napoles’ security would cost P120,000—PNP

By: Julliane Love De Jesus - 11 years ago

Janet Lim-Napoles. INQUIRER.NET FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—If businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles will be summoned again to appear before the Senate for its ongoing pork barrel scam probe, the police will have to spend P120,000 to ensure her security.

Detained “pork barrel scam queen” last showed up in Senate ‎last November 7 and is expected to appear on Thursday as whistle-blower Ruby Tuason tells all what was behind the multibillion Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam.

“We already have a security plan in case Janet Lim-Napoles will be called again by the Senate‎. We have a security template to follow,” Chief Superintendent Reuben Theodore Sindac, Philippine National Police Public Information Office chief, said Tuesday.

Sindac said the security operation, before, during and after, will cost an estimate of P120,000‎.

“The P120,000 will consist of gas for the vehicles to be used, manpower, food, during the period of the dry run, actual operation and the clearing after (we escort Napoles to Senate),” he said.

Since Napoles was transferred in Fort Sto. Domingo police Special Action Force camp in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, the police spends P150,000 each month for her security.

The P150,000 budget is deducted from the budget of PNP. It is then released to SAF for its utilities, food for the guards, and for maintenance and other operating expenses.

Asked if the PNP finds it more practical to transfer Napoles in a city jail for cheaper expenses on security, Sindac said the police cannot take sides.

“We will not object whatever the court decides,” he added.

Napoles pleaded to be transferred to Fort Sto. Domingo after she was initially brought to the Makati City Jail, which was approved by the Makati Regional Trial court.