Senate panel wants Napoles to attend 'pork' scam hearing

MANILA, Philippines - The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee wants businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles, alleged mastermind of the pork barrel scam, to attend the chamber's inquiry into the controversy.

Senate Blue Ribbon Committee chairman Teofisto Guingona III said they have forwarded on Monday the subpoena to the Office of Senate President Franklin Drilon.

The subpoena, which needs Drilon's signature and approval, will compel Napoles to attend the hearing set on September 26, Thursday.

"The appearance of Ms. Napoles in the Blue Ribbon hearing is important to our investigation as the Filipinos are looking for answers that may shed light to some issues at hand," Guingona said in a statement issued on Monday.

The resumption of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee's investigation into the alleged pork barrel scam will start on Tuesday with Justice Secretary Leila De Lima and key whistleblower Benhur Luy as invited resource persons.

Also invited are Gertrudes Luy, Marina Sula, Merlina Sula, and other whistleblowers.

Napoles is currently detained in Fort Sto. Domingo in Laguna in connection with the serious illegal detention charges filed against her by Luy.

Her arraignment is set on Monday afternoon at the Makati City Regional Trial Court Branch 150.

Related story: 100 cops secure Napoles arraignment today

Napoles is now also facing plunder charges before the Office of the Ombudsman after being accused of setting up bogus non-government organizations that received lawmakers' pork barrel.

Several lawmakers including Senators Juan Ponce Enrile, Jinggoy Estrada, and Bong Revilla are also facing charges due to the alleged pork barrel scam.

Related story: 3 senators face plunder charges