De Lima given extension to submit lengthy Napoles list to Senate

By: Maila Ager - 11 years ago

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.