Senator Panfilo Lacson. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines – And then there were 16.
Secretary Panfilo Lacson on Wednesday clarified that at least 16 incumbent and former senators were included on Janet Lim-Napoles’ list of lawmakers who allegedly misused public funds.
“Actually sinabi ko lang enough to constitute a quorum, actually enough to ratify a treaty,” he told Malacañang reporters during an ambush interview.
He was referring to his earlier statement that a “quorum so to speak, at least 12” current and previous senators were implicated by Napoles in her draft affidavit, which was given to him months before the alleged pork barrel mastermind gave a “tell-all” account to Justice Secretary Leila de Lima.
The approval of a treaty by Senate requires two-thirds of its members. With 24 incumbent senators, the ratification of a treaty would require 16 individuals.
Lacson said he is not aware of Napoles’ motives for giving him a copy of her draft affidavit nor is he aware that she gave another one to Sandra Cam, president of the Whistle Blowers Association.
The number he gave is consistent with Cam’s statement that 16 senators, in addition to 82 congressmen, were mentioned on Napoles’ list. She said that only three have “graduated” or left Senate after their term expired.
Lacson reiterated his statement that he was waiting for additional information from the Napoles camp so he can submit it to appropriate authorities. But Napoles met with De Lima and gave her testimony.
He also expressed confidence in De Lima who is now being accused of delaying the release of Napoles affidavit to protect administration allies who were implicated.
“Knowing her, hindi sya maglilinis ng listahan (She won’t tamper with the list),” he said.
Nevertheless, the former senator said he would release his own copy if he sees any anomaly, especially if allies of President Benigno Aquino III will be deleted from the list.
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