Tuason left PH to work on returning P40-M ‘pork’ kickback

MANILA, Philippines—New government witness Ruby Tuason’s focus is to make financing arrangements to fulfill her commitment of returning P40-million she promised the government, her lawyer Dennis Manalo said Wednesday.

“She left to attend to personal matters foremost of which is to finance her commitment to return to P40 million to the government,” Manalo said.

Immigration records showed that Tuason left for Hong Kong last March 2 on board Cathay Pacific Cx902 that left Manila 18:09 (6:09 p.m.) and arrived in Hong Kong at 20:04 (8:04 p.m.). Her return ticket is dated April 5.

“She coordinated with the DOJ-WPP (Department of Justice Witness Protection Program) for her travel. There is no hold departure against her so she does not need permission,” Manalo said.

From Hong Kong, Tuason will go to Los Angeles.

But Manalo denied reports that Tuason intends to talk to two potential witnesses in the pork barrel scam.

Meanwhile, Justice Secretary Leila De Lima was infuriated by the disclosure of information regarding Tuason’s travel.

“She (Immigration Spokesperson Maan Pedro) has no authority nor clearance to do so. What is her personality to announce about such things,” De Lima told reporters.

“I am not confirming that since it’s a WPP matter. It should be confidential information and we are not supposed to be disclosing it,” De Lima said.

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