De Lima denies lawyering for Napoles

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—“I don’t think anyone can use me,” Justice Secretary Leila De Lima said Monday, adding that she is not lawyering for alleged pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Lim-Napoles.

De Lima and Napoles met last month where the latter gave the justice chief a list of those who allegedly benefitted from the P10-billion pork barrel scam. The list was made public last week by the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee.

Senator Francis Escudero, whose name appeared on the list, also questioned why De Lima was not only acting as a lawyer for Napoles but even went to the extent of vetting, drafting and typing her affidavit.

“Walang basehan yung mga agam-agam na I’m practically lawyering for Mrs. Napoles or that I’m probably being used by Mrs. Napoles. Please I don’t think anyone can use me. I don’t think anyone can influence me in the discharge of my mandate,” De Lima told reporters.

De Lima said they are only being cautious in releasing Napoles’ testimony since they have to ensure its veracity and truthfulness and that her claim should be backed up by evidence.

She added that this does not mean she is conniving with Napoles or helping her.

“I’m not at all sleeping with the enemy if that is what some people are trying to paint me now. It’s quite unfair because it is my job to know the truth,” she said.

At the same time, the DOJ chief once reiterated her plea to be given space to fulfill her mandate in the present controversy.

“Give me that opportunity, give me enough space to fulfill my mandate which is truth-seeking,” De Lima said.

Napoles’ lawyer Bruce Rivera on Sunday said they will submit her more comprehensive and complete affidavit to the DOJ and that additional names will be added to those who are allegedly involved in the PDAF scam.

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