De Lima studying risks of transferring Napoles to regular jail
Justice Secretary Leila de Lima has closed the door for Janet Lim-Napoles (in photo), alleged mastermind of the P10-billion pork barrel scam, becoming a state witness. INQUIRER FILE PHOTOS
MANILA, Philippines—Justice Secretary Leila De Lima is not keen on the proposal to transfer pork barrel scam principal respondent Janet Lim Napoles to ordinary jail.
Napoles, who is facing a string of complaint including plunder and graft, is currently detained at Fort Sto. Domingo, a police camp in Laguna.
De Lima said while the proposal is valid and legitimate, it needs a thorough study.
“We have to look at the repercussions. Now, Mrs. Napoles is not talking but there may come an opportunity for her to talk. If we will move her [to an ordinary jail] we might blow the only opportunity that the central figure in this issue to talk,” De Lima told reporters Monday.
De Lima added that transferring Napoles to an ordinary jail might also jeopardize her safety.
“What if something happened to her,” she asked.
RELATED STORIES
Napoles’ camp seeks hospital arrest due to ovarian tumor
