Jinggoy returns, says Gigi won't turn state witness

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Jinggoy Estrada, who returned from the United States late Monday night, believes that lawyer Jessica "Gigi" Reyes won't turn state witness to pin him down and the others implicated in the pork barrel scam.

In a televised interview with media upon his arrival, Estrada said it will be unlikely for Reyes to become a whistleblower since she is ready to face the charges against her in connection with the supposed embezzling of some P10 billion worth of Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF).

"Tingin ko wala sa character niya 'yon na mandadawit ng ibang tao. Matagal ko nang kilala si Atty. Gigi at nirerespeto namin yan. Napakaintelehenteng abogada niyan," Estrada told reporters.

In an interview with radio dzMM on Monday night, Estrada also pointed out that Reyes is not even applying to be a state witness. He also claimed that unlike other whistleblowers, the beleaguered lawyer was not invited by the government to return to the country to testify.

"She came here. She returned to our country voluntarily. She is ready to face the charges," Estrada told radio dzMM.

Estrada and Reyes are among the individuals indicted for plunder and graft charges last month for allegedly diverting pork barrel funds to bogus foundations of businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles in exchange for kickbacks.

Reyes, the former chief of staff of Senate Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile, reportedly signed documents related to the release of her boss' PDAF. She returned to country over the weekend.

Like Enrile and Senator Ramon Revilla Jr., Estrada was accused of amassing kickbacks from the scam supposedly masterminded by Napoles. Amid the graft and plunder charges he is facing, he went to the US to have his and her wife's health checked.

"Nagkaroon din tayo ng pagkakataon doon para magdasal ng taimtim noong nakaraang Semana Santa," Estrada said.

Maintaining again his innocence, the embattled senator also reiterated that he will face the allegations hurled against him in the proper forum.

"Gusto ko na ngang mapabilis iyang kaso na iyan... para lumabas na 'yung buong katotohanan," Estrada said. -Louis Bacani