De Lima: Lacson's 'pork' list 'worthless'

MANILA, Philippines — Justice Secretary Leila de Lima on Wednesday expressed dismay over Senator Panfilo Lacson's disclosure of Janet Lim Napoles' so-called partial and unsigned list of "pork barrel" scam operators.

In a radio report, De Lima called the list "worthless" as it was not authenticated with a signature of Napoles, the suspected mastermind of the multi-billion peso embezzlement.

De Lima cautioned the government not to release confusing lists and advised the public to instead wait for the release of Napoles' signed initial statement, which was completed Wednesday.

The affidavit was requested by the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee through a subpoena issued last Monday.

Lacson's "Napoles list" may be freely denied by Napoles and therefore would not find merit in court, De Lima said.

De Lima added that the 80 names including those of incumbent senators and congressmen in the list are neither backed by complete documentary evidence and investigation.

The Department of Justice will ask the Senate panel to extend for one week the Thursday deadline for the turnover of Napoles' full affidavit as it is still being completed.  - Camille Diola