Ombudsman junks Napoles' immunity plea

MANILA, Philippines — The Office of the Ombudsman denied Janet Lim Napoles' application to become state witness in  plunder cases linked to the "pork barrel" scam as she "appears to be among the most guilty of all respondents."

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales said in an order released Thursday that Napoles' request to be exempted from the charges did not meet the criteria under law for state witnesses.

"In a separate letter dated June 4, 2014, Ombudsman Morales denied respondent Janet Napoles’ request for immunity for likewise not meeting the qualifications to become an immune witness," the office said in a statement.

Responding to Naples' letter, Morales was quoted as saying that "Napoles appears to be among the most guilty of all respondents" despite her claims that she was a victim of the system.

The anti-graft body also rejected the requests for immunity of National Agribusiness Corp. officials Rhodora Mendoza and Victor Roman Cacal as well as of Technology Resource Center chief Dennis Cunanan.

"There is no absolute necessity for their respective testimonies, and there are other direct evidence available, both testimonial and documentary, for the proper prosecution of the offenses committed," Morales said in the 16-page joint order dated June 2, 2014.

The group of whistleblowers under the Witness Protection Program, composed of former employees of Napoles' JLN Corp., was extended immunity from criminal prosecution.

These include the Department of Justice's current pool of witnesses led by Benhur Luy. Whistleblowers Marina Sula, Merlina Suñas, Mary Arlene Baltazar and Simonette Briones were also exempted for being co-conspirators in the scam.

The Ombudsman also rejected the motions for reconsideration of Senators Jinggoy Estrada, Juan Ponce Enrile and Ramon "Bong" Revilla, Jr., the three primary plunder respondents.

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