Sen. Estrada wants Abad probed

By: Maila Ager - 11 years ago

Budget Secretary Florencio Abad INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – For the “peace of mind” of the Filipino people, Budget Secretary Florencio Abad should also be investigated for his alleged role in the “pork barrel” scam, Senator Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada said on Tuesday.

Suspected scam mastermind Janet Lim-Napoles claimed in her affidavit that it was Abad who allegedly taught her how to use non-government organizations when transacting with the government.

“Fairness dictates that they should also investigate those mentioned in the Napoles testimony, or the Napoles affidavit or in the Benhur files” Estrada told reporters.

“They should still be investigated for the peace of mind of the Filipino people. Hindi lang yung tatlo lang kami nang tatlo ang nasa dyaryo,” he said.

Estrada was apparently referring to himself, Senators Juan Ponce-Enrile and Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. who are all facing plunder and anti-graft charges in connection with the scam.

If they were charged and would be jailed because of the scam, then Estrada said all others mentioned in the scam must also be charged and sent to jail.

Told about Abad’s denial of any involvement in the scam, Estrada said: “Tell it to the Marines.”

Asked then if Abad should undertake a lie detector test, the senator said: “Lie detector test? E sa hitsura na lang nya, mukhang nagsisinungaling na.”

Estrada indicated that Abad’s alleged participation in the scam was more revealing if Napoles allegations were true.

“E sya ang nagturo e. Hindi naman malalaman, I think ha, hindi naman malalaman ng legislators yun kung hindi alam ng executive, di ba?” said the senator.

“If he (Abad) is really the mentor, then alam nya lahat yung mga pasikot sikot…”

Estrada said the pork scam allegation is a “very, very serious matter’ that should be investigated as it can destroy Congress as an institution.