Tuason: P9-M in kickbacks delivered to Jinggoy

MANILA, Philippines - Whistleblower Ruby Tuason, speaking on Thursday before the Senate hearing on the pork barrel scam, said she was the 'go between' person for Senator Jinggoy Estrada and Janet Lim-Napoles in 2008, delivering at least P9 million from the businesswoman to the senator.

"I delivered here in the Senate before. I think I did it at least twice," Tuason said.

She said a staff of Estrada would escort her in the Senate parking lot during her afternoon deliveries, and from there she made her way to the senator's office to personally deliver the money.

"I did not pass in the main entrance because they might open my bag," she said.

Tuason said that in another instance in 2008, Estrada called at night asking for cash. Tuason was at that time with Napoles and her husband, and they delivered P1 million to Estrada in Zirkoh, a comedy bar along Wilson St. in Greenhills, she said.

Tuason said she delivered at least P9 million in kickbacks to the senator, for a project which cost P75 million.

After 2008, Tuason said Estrada transacted with Napoles directly.