Janet Napoles and Former Senator Panfilo Lacson . INQUIRER file photos
MANILA, Philippines–Former Senator and now Secretary Panfilo “Ping” Lacson has revealed five additional names included in Janet Lim-Napoles’ list of pork barrel scam players.
Lacson, in an exclusive interview on ABS-CBN’s “Bandila” on Monday night, answered “yes” when asked if the following lawmakers were included in the yet to be published list:
Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago
Senator Francis Escudero
Senator Alan Peter Cayetano
Senator Gregorio Honasan
Budget Secretary Florencio Abad (former congressman of Batanes)
The names were in addition to those earlier tagged in the scam: Senators Juan Ponce Enrile, Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. and Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada.
During the interview, the rehabilitation czar said that if the names on Napoles’ and on whistleblower Benhur Luy’s lists were combined, it would include 12 incumbent and 9 former senators.
He denied that Senate President Franklin Drilon and Senator Teofisto Guingano III were on the lists he saw – the one given to him by Napoles’ husband Jaime months ago and the records of Luy.
Lacson said two senators were in Napoles’ list but not in Luy’s. An explanation on their involvement was included but there were no supporting documents or an accounting of the commission they allegedly received.
In the course of the interview, Lacson also denied that he would run in the 2016 elections and that he was guilty in the Dacer-Corbito double murder case.
He said he thinks Napoles was a credible source but she should not be allowed to become a state witness.
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