Cayetano, Aquino: High time to pursue raps vs scam-linked solons

CEBU, Philippines - Two senators said it is high time to file proper charges to those involved in the pork barrel scam and let Janet Napoles, the alleged brains of the scam, face those whom she accused of receiving kickbacks.

"Dapat humarap na si Janet Napoles sa Senado so that those who were allegedly part of this scam, especially the senators, have a chance to defend themselves or refute her allegations," said neophyte senator Paulo Benigno  "Bam" Aquino IV.

Aquino was here yesterday as keynote speaker at the Open Collaboration with East Asia New Champions, where he is also the honorary chairman.

"Ang laki na ng nawala sa kaban ng bayan, bilyun-bilyon na dahil sa scam na ito. Dapat talaga  kasuhan na ang lahat ng involved at dapat talagang ikulong sila," said Aquino.

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano for his part said the issue is getting ridiculous following the various lists that were released implicating several politicians, including himself, who reportedly received kickbacks from Napoles through their pork barrel or Priority Development Assistance Fund.

"Hanggang ngayon walang kaso ang ang na-file at heto ngayon ang dami nang mga listahan ang lumabas. Hindi na tuloy natin alam kung ano ba ang alin. This is getting ridiculous," said Cayetano in a press conference recently.

Cayetano, in his letter addressed to Senator Teofisto Guingona III, asked the latter to immediately reopen the Napoles hearing and give an assurance that such hearing will be fair, open and public.

Cayetano also asked Guingona, who is the chairman of the Blue Ribbon Committee, to modify the rules so that all the senators who have been accused of having diverted funds to Napoles' non-government organizations can be cross-examined.

"Dapat humarap si Napoles sa Senado and face the senators so that we can also defend our position in public. Hindi yung patago siya kung mag-akusa," Cayetano added.

Cayetano further said he is willing to face any and all of his accusers.

"Those who wish to destroy my name should do so face-to-face and provide details of their accusations," Cayetano's letter reads.

Cayetano added he will have himself jailed and resigned as senator if Napoles will prove that he received even a single centavo from her.  (FREEMAN)