Tight security at Makati court for Benhur's testimony

MANILA, Philippines - Security is expected to be tight Friday at the Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 150 as pork barrel scam whistleblower takes the witness stand for the continuation of the bail petition hearing Janet Lim Napoles in connection with the case of serious illegal detention he had filed against her.

Luy, who earlier alleged that he was detained for three months by his cousin Napoles, will be presented by the prosecution panel as their last witness.

During the last hearing on October 14, Luy's mother, Gertrudes, told the court that Napoles had Benhur detained over alleged undelivered transactions and an alleged illegal project.

Mrs. Luy told the court that she met Benhur three times before he was rescued by agents of the National Bureau of Investigation last March 22 at the Pacific Plaza condominium in Taguig City.

Mrs. Luy said that in the three meetings she had with Benhur, Reynald Lim, Napoles' brother and co-accused, was always present and would talk about Benhur's alleged involvement in an illegal project and undelivered transactions.

Mrs. Luy also told the court that Napoles personally told her last December 25 at the businesswoman's Dasmarinas Village house, that she had ordered Benhur placed under "rehabilitation."

Meanwhile, the defense panel led by lawyer Lorna Kapunan will be presenting their evidence on October 29 and October 30.

Kapunan erlier told the court that they intend to present a closed circuit television (CCTV) clip from the Pacific Plaza condominium and Benhur's diary. Kapunan said the evidence they will present will prove that Benhur was not being held against his will.