Napoles loses plea for WPP transfer for third time

The Special Third Division of the Sandiganbayan has denied alleged pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Lim-Napoles’ plea to be transferred to a government safe house.

Napoles previously failed to convince the First and Fifth Divisions, which tackle the cases against former Senators Bong Revilla and Jinggoy Estrada, to hand her over to the witness protection program (WPP).

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra’s manifestation against Napoles’ plea was cited as a “significant” ground in the 10-page resolution dated May 3.

He had recognized that the implementing rules and regulations of the Witness Protection, Security and Benefit Act prohibit witnesses “under detention for any lawful cause” from being taken into custody of the WPP.

The court also found “no valid reason” to release Napoles from her detention at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City on the grounds of security risks. — VINCE F. NONATO