MANILA, Philippines – Justice Secretary Leila de Lima on Thursday said Senator Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada has “distorted” and “muddled factual issues” when he assailed pork barrel scam witnesses Dennis Cunanan and Ruby Tuason.
Senator Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada INQUIRER.net
The Senate on Wednesday released portions of 2008 CCTV footage of the Senate building where Tuason was seen several times visiting the Senate building.
Estrada said contrary to Tuason’s claim, she is not carrying a duffel bag. He said at one instance, Tuason was carrying snack, not cash.
“He was looking for a duffel bag but this is not the complete CCTV footage. Mrs. Tuason also did not say that she was carrying a duffel bag every time she visits the Senate. She said if she’s carrying P1 or P2 million, it can already fit in her bag,” De Lima said.
“He [Estrada] is muddling the factual issues. That is also engaging in half-truths or half lies,” she added.
Estrada also assailed Cunanan for his trips abroad and allegedly owning a mansion.
“He keeps on harping that he [Cunanan] owns a mansion. Have you seen his house? I think that is a bungalow but to categorize that as a mansion; it’s a little bit of exaggeration. Kung mansion yun, ano yung bahay nila, palasyo?” De Lima asked.
The Justice Chief said Cunanan already explained himself regarding the conflict in his testimony and fellow whistleblower Benhur Luy. However, she refused to give further details about the meeting.
forthright.”
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