Napoles' ex-maid freed with finality

MANILA, Philippines - The theft case filed before the Makati City Regional Trial Court (RTC) against a house helper of Janet Lim Napoles' family was dismissed with finality.

Public Attorney’s Office Chief Persida Rueda-Acosta said that the qualified theft charges against Dominga Cadelina have been declared void after the complainants failed to appeal the October 2013 decision to dismiss the case.

Cadelina has been freed from incarceration after sharing a cell with her former employer who is facing a serious illegal detention case before the trial court as well as plunder cases filed by the Department of Justice last year.

Janet's husband , Jaime Napoles,  and brother, Reynald Lim, claimed that Cadelina, who worked for the Napoles for 10 years, stole $13,400 worth of luxury bags, women’s underwear and clothes early in 2013.

Related: Napoles' former maid freed

Cadelina, however, insisted that she was framed for the crime.

Last October, Makati RTC judge Carlito Calpatura said the complainants lacked evidence to sufficiently prove Cadelina is behind the theft.

Napoles, meanwhile, is detained at Laguna's Fort Sto. Domingo . Napoles has  allegedly masterminded a scam to pillage congressional funds through fraudulent agricultural groups.