A first: Luy testifies before court on pork barrel scam

By: Tetch Torres-Tupas - 10 years ago

Janet Lim-Napoles (left) and Benhur Luy (right). INQUIRER FILE PHOTOS

MANILA, Philippines—Whistleblower Benhur Luy for the first time on Thursday testified before the Sandiganbayan First Division on the pork barrel scam.

During his testimony on the bail hearing of Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., he described the operations of the non-government organizations of Janet Lim-Napoles.

Luy is the second cousin of Napoles. He started working as Napoles’ assistant in 2002 then he was promoted and worked as finance officer up to 2012.

Prior to his testimony, representatives from Metrobank, Bank of the Philippine Islands, Banco de Oro and United Coconut Planters Bank appeared before the court after Atty. Stephen David, lawyer for Napoles asked the court to subpoena details on bank accounts of Luy and other pork barrel scam whistleblowers.

The bank representatives said the subpoena was vague because it did not indicate the documents that the Napoles camp wanted.

The anti-graft court gave the banks five days to put in writing their manifestation.

Direct examination on Luy will continue Thursday afternoon.