JPE’s DNA in scam confirmed – Miriam

MANILA, Philippines - Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago accused yesterday Senate Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile of being the “godfather” of the pork barrel scam, saying his “DNA” on the scam “has been confirmed.”

At the Senate hearing on the scam, Santiago refused to believe that Janet Lim-Napoles could conceive of the organized scheme to siphon pork barrel funds into her private accounts using fake non-government organizations (NGOs).

“Somebody conceived that, and they have built themselves into a citadel. She’s not alone, especially if you’re an outsider. It’s coming from a college graduate who came from the boondocks,” Santiago said at a press briefing.

“Who put that iron in that spine? That is the question,” she said, referring to Napoles.

Pressed further on who the possible mastermind could be, the senator pointed to Enrile.

She noted that Enrile was the Senate president at the time when the pork barrel misuse happened. “His paternity is unquestioned. His DNA has been confirmed.”

Santiago said one could not ignore the testimonies of whistle-blowers and the documents presented.

She noted that the pork barrel system could no longer be tolerated. “The entire system has a breakdown. That’s what the public should realize. No more pork barrel – there is no way you can control it.”

Santiago said she used her own pork barrel in the past because thrice the Supreme Court has upheld its legality.

“Unless we stop pork barrel, this will continue forever and forever. We will keep on systemic breakdowns every two years… People will run for office for the pork barrel,” she said.