Gigi Reyes wants freeze order on her bank accounts lifted

By: Tetch Torres-Tupas - 10 years ago

Jessica Lucila “Gigi” Reyes. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — The former chief of staff of Senator Juan Ponce Enrile asked the Manila City Regional Trial Court on Tuesday to lift the freeze order on her bank accounts and exclude her from the forfeiture proceedings initiated by the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) against those involved in the pork barrel scam.

Lawyer Jessica Lucila “Gigi” Reyes maintained that the funds in her bank accounts came from legitimate activities.

She said, no one among whistleblower Benhur Luy, witnesses Merlina Suñas, Gertrudes Luy, Anabelle Luy-Reario, Nova Kay Macalintal, Elena Abundo and Avelina Lingo was able to positively declare that she received a kickback from Enrile’s Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF).

“Not one of these affiants attested of their own personal knowledge that herein respondent received any sum of money forming part of the PDAF of Senator Enrile. Their statements, apart from being vague, conclusory and lacking in any details as to time, date or place do not show that they were present or privy to the delivery, receipt and/or of my supposed acceptance of any funds constituting the PDAF of Senator Enrile,” she said.

Reyes added that the allegations that she conspired with Enrile to commit plunder are mere assumptions.

“Proof, not mere conjectures or assumptions, should be proffered which would show that the co-conspirators had taken part in the planning, preparation and participation of the alleged conspiracy,” Reyes said.

She warned that the Supreme Court on several instances admonished against the careless use of the conspiracy theory that can sweep into jail even innocent persons.

Reyes is facing plunder and graft charges before the Sandiganbayan as co-accused on the alleged misuse of Enrile’s PDAF.