By Azer N. Parrocha
MANILA, (PNA) — The Makati Regional Trial Court (MRTC) on Tuesday allowed Janet Napoles, suspected mastermind of the P10-billion pork barrel scam, to appear before the Senate probe scheduled on November 7.
Since the MRTC has the custody over Napoles over illegal detention charges, the Senate requested its permission to allow her to appear.
Napoles is currently detained at the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) in Fort Sto. Domingo in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.
Senator Teofisto Guingona III, Blue Ribbon Committee chairperson, said he was pleased with the decision made by the MRTC led by Judge Elmo Alameda.
In a statement, Guingona said it was “a big issue in the country” and that he saw no reason why they would not allow her presence at the Senate.
“With the court’s order for Janet Lim-Napoles to appear before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, we are now much closer to completing the whole story on the abuses done with the Priority Development Assistance Fund,” he said.
When asked to what extent Napoles would be allowed to invoke self-incrimination, Guingona said that she will only be allowed to use it per question.
“Every time you ask a question, she can invoke her right. But it has to be something you can incriminate her,” Guingona said.
Guingona added he will not agree in case Napoles’ camp would request for an executive session instead of a public hearing.
Aside from Napoles, her whistleblowers — Benhur Luy, Gertrudes Luy, Marina Sula, Merlina Suña, Mary Arlene Balatazar and Simonette Briones were also called to testify.
“Mrs. Napoles will be given the opportunity to come clean and speak the truth,” Guingona said. “The Filipino people will be watching. We will be ready.”