Miriam: Secure Napoles' testimony now

MANILA, Philippines - Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago wants the testimony of suspected pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Lim-Napoles to be immediately secured due to the alleged threats to the latter's life.

Santiago said under the Rules of Court, Napoles is allowed to "perpetuate" her testimony for future use through the procedure called "deposition and discovery."

The procedure will ensure that the evidence will be secured when trial begins, even if something happens to the witness.

"Any adverse event could prevent Napoles from fully identifying the senators and congressmen with whom she had PDAF transactions. For example, any of the suspects could hire operatives to silence her, or she might inflict physical damage on herself. She might contract a life-threatening ailment. For any of these reasons, the Rules of Court allows her to give her testimony well before trial," Santiago said in a statement.

The former Regional Trial Court judge said Napoles can make a deposition, which will include her written testimony, even before trial begins in court.

"If Napoles decides to perpetuate her testimony in order to reduce the level of threats to her security, she has to file a verified petition in court," the senator said, adding that the Rules require the businesswoman to serve notice at least 20 days before the date of hearing.

Santiago said it can "reasonably be expected" that Napoles will name the senators and representatives as expected adverse parties.

Napoles is the central figure in the alleged P10-billion pork barrel scam, which funneled lawmakers' funds to bogus non-government organizations and ghost projects.

After surrendering to President Benigno Aquino III last week, Napoles has been placed in detention in connection with the serious illegal detention charges filed by pork barrel scam whistle-blower Benhur Luy.

Napoles voluntarily surrendered to Aquino due to the alleged threats to her life, the same reason that prompted her transfer from the Makati City jail to Fort Sto. Domingo in Laguna.

Santiago had said that Napoles is disqualified as a state witness since she may not satisfy a requirement.

"There are five requirements for an accused to turn state witness. One of the requirements is that the accused does not appear to be the most guilty. Napoles will find it extremely difficult to prove her claim that she is not the most guilty," said Santiago.

Related story: Napoles disqualified as state witness - Miriam