Senate hearing on 'pork' scam to resume next year

MANILA, Philippines - The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee will resume next year its probe on the alleged P10-billion pork barrel scam supposedly masterminded by businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles.

Senator Teofisto Guingona III, the committee chair, said policy matters will be tackled first before discussing the alleged misuse of the Malampaya funds.

"Yung Napoles hearing will be resuming next year on some hearings on policy and then most likely we will be continuing with the Napoles into the Malampaya hearing," Guingona said.

He said the possible appearance of Napoles and her husband in the next hearing on the pork barrel scam has yet to be decided.

"We are still consulting on that," Guingona said.

Napoles is accused of pocketing funds from the government's earnings from the Malamapaya gas fields and lawmakers' pork barrel that were diverted to fake non-government organizations that she allegedly set up.

She remains behind bars in Fort Sto. Domingo, Laguna in connection with the serious illegal detention charges filed by key whistleblower Benhur Luy.