Ombudsman now has Napoles’ affidavit, will decide on businesswoman’s request for immunity
Justice Secretary Leila De Lima. CATHY MIRANDA/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Justice has formally transmitted to the Office of the Ombudsman the affidavits of alleged “pork barrel” scam mastermind Janet Lim-Napoles and the letters of her lawyers, expressing her desire to be considered a state witness.
Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said she transmitted the documents to the Ombudsman Tuesday.
“Kasi nga decision ‘yan ng Ombudsman. While kami po we are continuing with the vetting and validation process because this is just part and parcel of our fact-finding and truth-seeking.”
“Pero ‘yung issue on the immunity, we will be deferring to the sound judgment and discretion of the Ombudsman so sinubmit ko po sa kanya kahapon officially ‘yung mga affidavits ni Mrs. Napoles saka yung mga letters ng kanyang mga abugado, expressing her desire to be considered as state witness,” de Lima said.
She said she also reiterated to the Ombudsman that “we will defer to her judgment on that matter.”
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