By Perfecto Raymundo
MANILA, (PNA) — Justice Secretary Leila M. De Lima on Wednesday said the National Bureau of Investigation cannot yet file before the Office of the Ombudsman the plunder charges against Janet Lim Napoles on Friday.
Napoles is the alleged “brains” behind the P10-billion pork barrel scam and the P900-million Malampaya fund scam.
In an ambush interview, De Lima said it cannot be done and it is difficult to file the case against Napoles on Friday.
“Friday, mahirap. The latest on Monday. So best efforts,” De Lima said.
De Lima added it is because the case is sensitive and it necessitates documentary evidence so that the case they will file before the court cannot just be dismissed.
“I’m not gonna (sic) confirm anything today,” De Lima said.
At present, De Lima said, the NBI is continuously gathering documentary evidence and its investigation is still ongoing.
De Lima added they will try to file the case on Monday next week.
President Benigno S. Aquino III earlier said the plunder case against Napoles and her accomplices may be filed on Friday or at the latest on Monday.
Likewise, De Lima said she may attend the hearing of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee in its investigation-in-aid of legislation on the pork barrel scam Thursday.