Ombudsman: Tuason's immunity can be revoked

MANILA, Philippines — The newly granted immunity for Ruby Tuason, bagwoman for alleged pork barrel scam brains Janet Lim Napoles, can be revoked even after she was declared state witness by the Office of the Ombudsman.

Assistant Ombudsman Asryman Rafanan said Friday that Tuason can be reinstated as an accused in plunder charges if she "fails to faithfully discharge her undertakings, breaches any of the warranties, commitments and undertakings and her sworn statements"

Also see main story: Ruby Tuason returns P40 M, granted immunity from 'pork' plunder

Rafanan added that Tuason may also be subject to perjury charges or false testimony if she fails to cooperate in preliminary investigation and court proceedings.

On Friday, the Office of the Ombudsman announced that Tuason's application to become state witness in the case linked to the embezzlement of billions in Priority Development Assistance Funds has been approved.

"Tuason was granted immunity from criminal prosecution in the said PDAF cases in exchange for undertaking to testify on her personal knowledge on these cases and produce documents in her possession on the details of the alleged misuse of the PDAF, and subject to the terms and conditions in the Immunity Agreement," Rafanan said.

Under the Republic Act 6770 or the Ombudsman Act of 1989, the Ombudsman has the authority to grant immunity from criminal prosecution to any person whose testimony or whose possession and production of documents or other evidence may be necessary to determine the truth in any hearing, inquiry or proceeding.

Principal respondents in the plunder cases before the Ombudsman are Senators Jose "Jinggoy" Estrada Jr., Juan Ponce Enrile and Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr.

Tuason had admitted to introducing Napoles to Estrada and Enrile's former chief of staff Jessica "Gigi" Reyes.

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima had said that Tuason's testimony is "slam dunk evidence" for the government cases.