Witnesses in Napoles detention case summoned

MANILA, Philippines - The Makati Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 150 yesterday issued subpoenas for the witnesses to be presented by the prosecution for the hearing of the petition for bail of businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles in connection with the serious illegal detention case filed by her cousin, Benhur Luy.

The bail hearing is set at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. today. Ordered to appear before Makati RTC Branch 150 Judge Elmo Alameda are Luy and his mother Gertrudes, Marina Sula, Rodante Berou, Mary Arlene Baltazar, Merlina Pablo Suñas, Maria Flor Vistal Villanueva and Anabelle Luy-Reario.

The subpoenas were issued on the request of the prosecution panel led by Christopher Garvida.

Napoles had refused to enter a plea during her arraignment on Monday.  Napoles’ lawyer Lorna Kapunan said they would be presenting at least 17 witnesses.

She said they would also be filing a petition with the Supreme Court to transfer the hearings to Fort Sto. Domingo, where Napoles is being held.

Kapunan said they would also ask the court to waive Napoles’ appearance in future hearings.