Marañon says: Janet Napoles campaigned in Negros Occidental

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines -- Janet Lim-Napoles, alleged pork barrel scam mastermind, had went to Negros Occidental before to campaign for a party-list group, Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. revealed yesterday.

However, the governor said he had no idea if Napoles had actually approached and offered transactions to any of the Negrense lawmakers.

Marañon, former congressman of the 2nd district of Negros Occidental from 1995 to 2004, said "Napoles was here for an election campaign," although he could not recall what election year was that.

Napoles' eldest daughter, Jo Christine, was reportedly affiliated with the Overseas Filipino Workers Family Club party-list.

The governor alleged that Napoles might have already started the scam during his time when he was a congressman.

Napoles allegedly facilitated the billions of pesos intended for projects from the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) of several senators and congressmen, which was supposed to be implemented by a number of non-government organizations.

Reports said Napoles owns a residential property in a high-end district in Bacolod, but the authorities have not confirmed it yet.

Marañon said it was "very good" that Napoles surrendered. He was hoping more "mini- Napoleses" will be caught, referring to others who are using the same modus as Napoles'. He further wished that those others who may be involved in the scam will be jailed.

A number of Negros Occidental officials have hailed the surrender of Napoles on Wednesday.

Fourth district Rep. Jeffrey Ferrer said: "It is good that she surrendered. At any rate, she will eventually be captured by the authorities. In this world, it is impossible for every wrongdoer to evade the long arm of justice. In short, it is better to face the problem rather than keep on running and yet you cannot hide ( from it)."

Third district Rep. Alfredo Benitez, the Liberal Party chairman in Negros Occidental, said, "Sana lumabas na lahat ng katotohanan. Para matuwid natin ang sistema at maparusahan ang nagkasala."

Vice Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said: "Napoles surrendered on the charge of 'serious illegal detention.' What the Filipino people would like to see is the government taking her to court for plunder." — (FREEMAN)