Aquino: Accused in 'pork' scam plan to pull others down

MANILA, Philippines — President Benigno Aquino III believes that the emergence of several lists of Janet Lim-Napoles' supposed pork barrel scam conspirators is meant to sow public confusion and make look everyone guilty.

In an interview with media, Aquino said he is sure that part of the plan of those accused in the pork barrel scam is to muddle the issue and to drag more officials into the controversy.

"Sigurado tayo at kayo narinig niyo na rin siguro, strategy ng ibang akusado —ano 'yung phrase— 'bring the whole house down.' Pare-pareho na lang tayong may kasalanan, etcetera; guluhin ang usapan," Aquino told reporters in Bicol.

He said the so-called "Napolists" and various leads in the case that have surfaced may be meant to delay the investigation and prosecution of those involved in the fraudulent scheme.

"Conscious tayo na 'yung lahat itong mga... pabago-bagong listahan, baka naman ang — at saka 'yung leads — ang hinahabol sa atin... bawat isang lead sundan," Aquino said.

"'Pag sinundan natin 'yan na-times up na ako sa aking two years and one month na natitira. Hindi tayo papayag doon," he added.

The "Napolists" have named more officials — including senators and Cabinet secretaries — involved in the pork barrel scam other than Senators Juan Ponce Enrile, Jinggoy Estrada and Ramon Revilla Jr.

Last week, De Lima submitted to the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee the official "Napolist" that was part of the supposed "tell-all" affidavit of the businesswoman.

But even if the affidavit included fabricated statements and information, Aquino said it will still help state investigators.

"Kung hindi siya magsasabi ng totoo, matutulungan rin tayo dahil kailangan mong suportahan 'yung pagsisinungaling ng katotohanan. So mangyari ang mangyari, kausapin natin ito, may mapupulot tayo sa kanya either willingly or unwillingly from her," Aquino said.

But the President is still not open to the idea of granting immunity to Napoles by making her a state witness.

Aquino is still not convinced that the alleged scam mastermind is the "least guilty."

"Dahil nasa sentro siya, siya ang koneksyon ng lahat parang mahirap naman yata sabihin na at this point, sa nababatid ko, paano natin sasabihing siya'y not the most guilty kung nasa sentro siya?" Aquino said.