Ombudsman strongly opposes Napoles’ transfer to WPP

The Office of the Ombudsman has opposed a plea by alleged pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Lim-Napoles to be released from jail and transferred to the government’s Witness Protection Program (WPP), even going so far as to call her “entitled.”

In a strongly worded eight-page opposition, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) said of Napoles’ plea: “Her ululation is misplaced, if not outright preposterous.”

It pointed out that Section 1, Article IX of the implementing rules and regulations of the Witness Protection, Security and Benefit Act explicitly prohibited detainess from being taken into the program’s protective custody.

WPP facility not jail

The prosecution also said the Sandiganbayan had denied Napoles’ bail petitions in the plunder cases of former Senators Bong Revilla, Juan Ponce Enrile and Jinggoy Estrada. The Supreme Court affirmed the decisions.

Thus, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology is mandated to administer her safekeeping. The prosecution noted that a WPP housing facility “can hardly be classified as a jail.”

Sense of entitlement

“Too many individuals are possessed by a misplaced and twisted sense of entitlement, prompting them to make requests and demands for treatment uniquely suited for their self-indulgent needs and perceived stature. Accused Janet Lim Napoles is of such ilk,” the OSP said.

“She should enjoy no privilege or accommodation or treatment distinct from all others similarly situated, notwithstanding her WPP provisional coverage,” it added.

The prosecution also played down Napoles’ claim of threats to her life.