De Lima given extension to submit lengthy Napoles list to Senate

MANILA, Philippines – The Senate blue ribbon committee on Thursday granted Justice Secretary Leila de Lima’s another request for extension to submit the  signed affidavits of alleged “pork barrel” scam mastermind, Janet Lim-Napoles.

De Lima requested to give her until Monday, May 26, 2014, to submit the requested documents from her office.

Senate Blue Ribbon Committee Chairman Senator Teofisto Guingona III. INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO

“Granted. Valid reason,” was  Senator Teofisto Guingona’s short  statement to media sent  by his staff member  through a text message. Guingona is the chairman of the committee.

This was the second extension given to De Lima after she failed to comply to the first deadline  set last May 15 to the subpoena  issued by the committee, directing  her to submit the so-called “pork” list and signed affidavits of Napoles.

De Lima only submitted the “pork” list to the committee when she personally went to Guingona’s office last week to  request for a one-week extension.

But in a letter to Guingona dated May 22, De Lima again requested  for another extension, saying  Napoles has not yet finished  her sworn  statement.

De Lima said they intended to submit to the committee the initial affidavit of Napoles, her “pork” list bearing her signature, and her “yet-to-be completed comprehensive/extended affidavit,” which she said they hoped would have been completed within the extended period.

“Unfortunately, according to the latest information I received from  her counsel, Mrs. Napoles’ current health condition has prevented them from completing her affidavit,” the Secretary said in the letter.

“It is my understanding that her doctors have advised her not to over-exert herself, which is why last night, she and her lawyers were unable to finish her sworn statement, in time for today’s deadline.”

“In light of this development beyond our control, we respectfully request that we be given until Monday 26, May 2014, to comply with the committee’s subpoena,” De Lima added.

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