Senate panel orders Napoles to appear at Nov 7 hearing

MANILA, Philippines - The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee has officially compelled alleged pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Lim-Napoles to appear and testify at the panel's investigation next month.

Senate President Franklin Drilon on Monday signed the subpoena that would require Napoles to attend the hearing of the committee set on November 7.

The subpoena issuing Janet Napoles to appear and testify at the Senate on November 07, 10AM has been signed. pic.twitter.com/iEY6c5H2pa

— Franklin Drilon (@frankahan) October 21, 2013

Napoles is facing plunder charges before the Office of the Ombudsman after being accused of pocketing lawmakers' pork barrel funds allegedly diverted to bogus non-government organizations that she supposedly set up.

In a privilege speech last week, Drilon said he decided to sign the subpoena requiring Napoles after initially refusing to do so, following the advice of Ombusman Conchita Carpio-Morales.

"As your Senate President, I have always said that this Senate investigation will be relentless in searching for the truth. I consider the Pork Barrel Scam as a great injustice to the Filipino people," said Drilon.

Morales had said it is not advisable to summon Napoles at the moment since plunder charges are already pending before the anti-graft body

Napoles is currently jailed at Fort Sto. Domingo in Laguna in connection with the serious illegal detention charges filed by key whistle-blower Benhur Luy, who is also a relative and former employee of the beleaguered businesswoman.

She is also facing a tax evasion complaint filed by the Bureau of Internal Revenue.