Estrada hits Guingona over handling of pork scam hearing
Senate blue ribbon committee chair Teofisto “TG” Guingona III and Senator Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Senator Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada hit the Senate blue ribbon committee chair Teofisto “TG” Guingona III over his handling of Thursday’s hearing on the pork barrel scam.
In a briefing with reporters, Estrada said Guingona took at face value the testimony of Ruby Tuason, the latest whistle-blower in the pork scam.
Tuason pinned down Estrada on Thursday over his involvement in the pork scam, adding that she personally delivered kickbacks to Estrada’s residence and office in the Senate.
“Masyado na niya hinuhusgahan ang mga pahayag ni Mrs. Tuason kahit wala pa namang basehan ang mga salita ni Tuason (He has already judged the statement of Mrs. Tuason even though her words have no basis),” Estrada said.
He also questioned Guingona’s statement that Tuason’s testimony is a “three-point shoot” in the investigation.
“Ang maituturing ko sa pag-ha-handle niya sa hearing ay self-offensive foul (I consider his handling of the hearing as self-offensive foul),” Estrada said.
Estrada denied Tuason’s allegations, saying that she only delivered food in his office and not money.
Tuason, the former social secretary of then president and now Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, was said to be the conduit of senators Juan Ponce Enrile and Senator Estrada and Janet Lim-Napoles, the alleged perpetrator of the scam.
Tuason said she had introduced Napoles to the lawmakers.
Tuason fled to the United States after the scandal broke out before returning to become state witness. She said she was bothered by her conscience.
Tuason is facing plunder charge, along with Senators Estrada, Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. and Enrile.
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