De Lima: Cunanan can still be gov’t witness despite pork deals

Technology Resource Center Director General Dennis Cunanan PHOTO FROM www.dost.gov.ph

MANILA, Philippines—Even if former Technology Resource Center (TRC) General Manager Dennis Cunanan benefited from transactions involving the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) or the pork barrel fund, such fact will not prevent him from becoming government witness, Justice Secretary Leila De Lima said Monday in a text message.

“May I just point out that, assuming for the sake of argument that Cunanan benefitted from the transactions coursed thru his office (something he’s denying), that fact alone will not disqualify him for provisional WPP (Witness Protection Program) coverage, provided he meets the legal requirements, one of which is he does not appear to be the most guilty,” De Lima said.

She added that she also sees no problem with Cunanan undergoing lifestyle check as suggested by Senator Grace Poe in a television interview.

“No problem with us, Cunanan undergoing lifestyle check to maintain integrity in government service. Such a process is always available, irrespective of his status as a state witness,” De Lima added.

Cunanan, who is one of those slapped with a criminal complaint at the Office of the Ombudsman in connection with the pork barrel scam case is the latest government witness against the pork barrel scam and the first official of an implementing agency to testify.

In his sworn statement, Cunanan said Senators Ramon “Bong” Revilla and Jinggoy Estrada personally endorsed and lobbied for the dubious Napoles NGOs. He claimed he even talked to the two lawmakers over the phone at some instances when whistle-blower Benhur Luy, who was an employee of Napoles, was dealing with their office.

As to the involvement of Senator Juan Ponce Enrile, Cunanan said the transactions were made by the former’s chief-of-staff, Gigi Reyes, adding that there was no instance when he would personally communicated with the former.

At the same time, De Lima said they would allow Cunanan to appear before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee if subpoenaed.

“Like Ruby Tuason, he also expressed willingness to testify before said body. Part of their undertaking as WPP-covered witnesses is to cooperate in any and all official proceedings relative to the subject matter of their testimony, here, the PDAF scam,” De Lima said.