Pimentel admits Napoles requested his ‘pork’ funds

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III said alleged pork barrel scam brains Janet Lim-Napoles requested pork barrel funds from him.

Speaking at the sidelines of the filing of criminal and administrative charges before the Ombudsman, Pimentel said he denied Napoles’ request.

“I’ve met with her May 2012 and she requested a project in my Priority Development Assistance Funds. I rejected it,” Pimentel said in Filipino.

Pimentel III also said he remains confident that he is not included in Napoles’ list of pork barrel scam beneficiaries.

A newspaper report said the a copy of Napoles’ list received by former senator Panfilo Lacson initially contained the name of Pimentel III and his father, former senator Aquilino Pimentel Jr.

The senator also said Napoles even offered to contribute campaign funds to him but he rejected it.

On Tuesday, Pimentel III filed criminal and administrative charges against agriculture officials for allegedly forging his signature in an organic fertilizer project.

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