MANILA, (PNA) — The legal counsel of Janet Lim-Napoles, the alleged mastermind in the P10-billion pork barrel fund scam, has filed a motion for bail at the Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 150 regarding the latter’s serious illegal detention charges filed against her by whistle-blower Benhur Luy.
Also named respondent in the case is Napoles’ brother Reynald Lim.
Through the Kapunan Garcia and Castillo law Offices, Napoles, in her 27-page motion, said the evidence presented “does not establish that the evidence of guilt against her is strong.”
She also claimed the private complainants’ “incredible tale is merely based on their self-serving testimonies and nothing else.”
Contrary to the charges lodged against her and her brother, Napoles said Luy decided to voluntarily stay in “Bahay ni San Jose”, a property of the respondent, for three months.
Napoles also alleged that the “fabricated and speculative claims of private complainants and the National Bureau of Investigation surrounding Luy’s self-imposed retreat strongly negate the charge of serious illegal detention.
Napoles’ camp also pointed out that the charge was “subsequently used to extort money.”
The defense said the Luy family and their counsel Atty. Baligod used this “sham kidnapping complaint to extort money from Janet.”
Based on a narration of Napoles, Baligod asked her to pay P300 million, plus requirements needed for Investors’ Visas for Canada for the entire Luy family, costs of travel expenses to Canada and pocket money , amounting to USD1.5 million.