Ombudsman to file plunder raps vs Bong, JPE and Jinggoy

MANILA, Philippines — The Office of the Ombudsman on Tuesday announced that it will file plunder charges against Janet Lim-Napoles and senators Juan Ponce Enrile, Jinggoy Estrada and Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr.

Assistant Ombudsman Asryman Rafanan on Tuesday said that the anti-graft panel found probable cause for the indictment of the principal respondents and their alleged conspirators, which include provisional state witness Ruby Tuason.

Napoles and the lawmakers face plunder and malversation charges for the multi-billion peso Priority Development Assistance Funds scam  within the years 2006 to 2010.

The counter-affidavit filed by the senators and Napoles were not found sufficient to counter the allegations and pieces of evidence against them.

"Napagpasyahan na hindi sapat ang kanilang pag-sagot sa mga inihain na reklamo at may sapat na ebidensya na nagpapakita na meron silang pananagutan sa taumbayan," Rafanan said.

Resolutions released by the Ombudsman's office on Tuesday indicated the following amounts taken from the three senators' lump sum funds for Napoles' purported fraudulent non-government organizations:

• Revilla - P517 million
• Enrile - P345 million
• Estrada - P278 million

Rafanan said that the charges  are the first batch of cases stemming from the recommendations and evidence submitted by the National Bureau of Investigation, Ombudsman Field Investigation Office and lawyer Levito Baligod, a private complainant.

Minutes before the Ombudsman's announcement, the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee announced that it is recommending plunder charges against Napoles and the three senators.

Other respondents

The Ombudsman also tagged other respondents perceived as acting "in concert" with Revilla, Enrile, and Estrada:

Office of Sen. Revilla:

• Richard Cambe, Office of Sen. Revilla director

Office of Sen. Enrile:

• Jessica Lucila Reyes, former chief of staff
• Jose Antonio Evangelista, former director

Technology Resource Center (TRC)

• Antonio Ortiz, former director general
• Dennis Cunanan, director general (on leave)
• Francisco Figura, former group manager
• Marivic Jover, chief accountant
• Consuelo Lilian Espiritu, budget officer
• Maria Rosalinda Lacsamana, former group manager

National Livelihood Development Corp. (NLDC)

• Gondelina Amata, president
• Gregoria Buenventura, staff
• Emmanuel Alexis Sevidal, director
• Sofia Cruz, project development officer
• Chita Jalandoni, director
• Ofelia Ordoñez, chief budget specialist
• Evelyn Sucgang, staff

National Agribusiness Corp. (Nabcor)

• Alan Javellana, former director
• Rhodora Mendoza, former vice president
• Victor Cacal, Nabcor general services supervisor
• Maria Ninez Guañizo, former officer-in-charge in accounting
• Maria Julie Villaralvo-Johnson, administrative and finance head
• Encarnita Munsod, former support services supervisor

Private respondents

• Janet Lim Napoles
• Ruby Tuason
• Jo Christine Lim Napoles
• James Christopher Lim Napoles
• Ronald John Lim

• Evelyn de Leon
• Fernando Ramirez
• Nitz Cabilao
• Mark Oliveros
• Nemesio Pablo Jr.
• Jocelyn Piorato
• Myla Ogerio
• John Raymond de Asis
• Editha Talaboc
• Delfin Agcaoili Jr.
• Daniel Balanoba
• Lucila Lawas-Tuyok
• Antonio Santos
• Susan Victorino
• Lucita Solomon
• Wilberto de Guzman (deceased)
• Eulogio Rodriguez
• Laarni Uy
• Myla Ogerio
• Margarita Guadinez
• Jocelyn Piorato
• Dorilyn Agbay Fabian
• Hernani Ditchon
• Rodrigo Galay
• Amparo Fernando
• Aileen Palama
• Mylene Encarnacion
• Renato Ornopia
• Jesus Bargola Castillo
• Noel Macha