SolGen backing Napoles? Luy leaves it up to lawyers

Pork barrel scam state witness Benhur Luy (INQUIRER FILE PHOTO)

MANILA — What will be the effect of the Duterte government’s legal moves in favor of alleged pork barrel scam architect Janet Lim-Napoles? Whistleblower Benhur Luy leaves it up to his lawyers.

Luy, who sports a shorter hairstyle and seems to have visibly lost weight, declined to comment when asked by reporters at the sidelines of the trial of former Cagayan de Oro Rep. Constantino Jaraula.

To recall, the Office of the Solicitor-General led by Jose Calida filed in January a “manifestation in lieu of rejoinder” that recommended the Court of Appeals reverse the Makati City Regional Trial Court Branch 150’s April 2015 conviction of Napoles for Luy’s illegal detention.

Asked if he thought this would have an impact on his status as a state witness who blew the whistle on the multibillion-peso scam, Luy said: “We cannot say something. I cannot make any comment.”

“I have a lawyer with me; they can take the appropriate actions,” he said.

Luy was at the anti-graft court’s First Division  on Monday to undergo cross-examination by the defense team of Jaraula, who has been accused of  pocketing P20.8 million in kickbacks in exchange for his endorsement of fake foundations linked to Napoles to implement the projects funded by his Priority Development Assistance Fund proceeds.  SFM/rga