Enough proof vs Janet – Luy’s ex-lawyer

MANILA, Philippines -  There was sufficient evidence to support the conviction of Janet Lim-Napoles for illegal detention, according to Levito Baligod, the former lawyer of pork barrel scam whistle-blower Benhur Luy.

Napoles was found guilty by the Makati City regional trial court of detaining Luy, her cousin and former employee, to prevent him from testifying against her as the pork barrel scam mastermind.

But the Court of Appeals reversed the conviction and the Department of Justice is now eyeing to make her a state witness in the pork barrel or Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) cases.

In a text message to The STAR, Baligod said the CA gave weight to the erroneous position of Solicitor General Jose Calida “that there is inadequate evidence to support a conviction with moral certainty.”

But “equally erroneous as it may be, I am professionally enjoined to respect the CA decision,” Baligod said.

Baligod assailed Calida’s move but added that while he is not in favor of the Solicitor General “going out of his way to favor Napoles,” he hopes that the latter’s action “will eventually and truly redound to the benefit of the nation, especially in running after elusive corrupt officials in high places in government.”

“It was truly a difficult balancing act on the part of the (Solicitor General), of which I do not personally subscribe as there is a better way to bring these elusive corrupt officials to justice,” Baligod said.

Like Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales, Baligod said Napoles’ acquittal by the CA would not affect the PDAF cases.