Ruby Tuason returns P40 M, granted immunity from 'pork' plunder

MANILA, Philippines-  The Office of the Ombudsman approved Ruby Tuason's application to become state witness and granted her immunity from plunder charges linked to the multi-billion peso pork barrel scam, an official announced Friday.

Assistant Ombudsman Asryman Rafanan said Tuason's sworn statement aiding the plunder charges filed by the National Bureau of Investigation was found substantial for future prosecution.

"The testimony of Tuason was found to be necessary," Rafanan said in a televised press conference.

Tuason has also vowed to continue to cooperate in the preliminary investigation.

"She agreed to testify on her personal knowledge ... and produce documents in her possession," Rafanan said.

Tuason had admitted that she introduced Napoles to Senator Jinggoy Estrada and lawyer Jessica "Gigi" Reyes, who was Senator Juan Ponce Enrile's chief-of-staff.

She also claimed having personally delivered millions in kickbacks to Estrada in his Senate office in 2008.

Estrada and Enrile are among the principal plunder respondents for allegedly siphoning part of his Priority Development Assistance Funds through Napoles' non-government organizations.

Rafanan also disclosed that Tuason has returned the P40 million in kickbacks she purportedly received from alleged scam mastermind Janet Lim Napoles.

The socialite and former aide of President Joseph Estrada surrendered the amount in check for the "Republic of the Philippines" to the Department of Justice (DOJ).

"The [P40 million] will ... be remitted to the National Treasury," Rafanan added.

Asked where Tuason sourced the money from, Rafanan said he is not privy to details but "she was able to return the money in full."

Tuason left the country purportedly to raise funds abroad for the return of payments from the government funds scheme. She returned to Manila on April 10.

Rafanan said Tuason may also remain under the Witness Protection Program if the DOJ deems it appropriate, he said.