Gov’t grants Tuason immunity for testimony
MANILA, Philippines–The Office of the Ombudsman has granted the application for immunity of Ruby Tuason.
In a five-page Immunity Agreement between Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales and Tuason, she was granted immunity from criminal prosecution in Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam related cases “in exchange for undertaking to testify on her personal knowledge on these cases and produce documents in her possession” on details of the alleged misuse of the PDAF.
In the event Tuason fails to fulfill her undertakings, breaches any warranties or deviates from her sworn statements, the Ombudsman said her immunity will be revoked and will reinstate her as among the respondents in the plunder case.
Under Republic Act 6770 or the Ombudsman act of 1989, the Ombudsman has the authority “to grant immunity from criminal prosecution to any person whose possession and production of documents or evidence may be necessary to determine the truth in any hearing, inquiry or proceeding or in the furtherance of its constitutional functions and statutory objectives.”
Tuason, in her 15-page affidavit said she is the one who introduced Senators Juan Ponce Enrile and Jinggoy Estradato Napoles in 2004.
“On or about some time in 2004, I relayed the PDAF offer of Janet Napoles to Senator Jinggoy Estrada. I also relayed the same offer to Atty. Gigi Reyes, Chief of Staff of Senator Enrile,” Tuason said.
She said for every project, the lawmaker will receive 40 percent kickback less 5 percent for every business transaction. On the other hand, she gets 1.5 percent for every successful referral.
“I pick up the shares of Senator Jinggoy Estrada and Juan Ponce Enrile, the latter, thru Chief of Staff Atty. Gigi Reyes,” Tuason said in her affidavit.
“At first, Atty. Gigi Reyes refused to see Janet Napoles but agreed to course the release of Senator Juan Ponce Enrile’s PDAF following the same arrangement that Janet Napoles made in Senator Jinggoy Enrile,” Tuason further said.
Tuason and Napoles are business partners. She said they invested in a company that would develop beach-front properties.
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