Senate body recommends plunder raps vs Enrile, Estrada, Revilla

MANILA, Philippines - The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee on Tuesday presented a preview of its report on the alleged pork barrel scam, which recommended the filing of cases against businesswoman Janet Lim Napoles and Senators Juan Ponce Enrile, Jinggoy Estrada and Ramon Revilla, Jr.

Committee chair Senator Teofisto Guingona III said at a televised press briefing that Napoles, the suspected scam mastermind, should be charged with plunder, violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and for giving false testimonies, among other cases.

Guingona said the Senate committee also recommends that Enrile, Estrada and Revilla should also be charged with plunder, direct bribery, violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, fraud against the public treasury and violation of the code of conduct and ethical standards for public officials and employees.

Guingona said it is up to the Office of the Ombudsman to file one, some or all of the recommended charges against Napoles and the three senators.

Napoles and the three senators have been accused of amassing kickbacks from the pork barrel funds allegedly diverted to the businesswoman's fake foundations using government agencies as conduits.

The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee held nine hearings on the controversy in aid of legislation. Guingona said the Senate panel found merit on the evidences presented and sufficient basis for the filing of charges against the individuals involved in the controversy.