Napoles to withhold submission of evidence

MANILA, Philippines - With her plea for immunity from prosecution rejected by the Office of the Ombudsman, Janet Lim-Napoles has decided to hold off releasing documents purportedly detailing roles played by several lawmakers and officials in the pork barrel scam.

Her lawyer Bruce Rivera said they would file a motion for reconsideration after receiving a copy of the ruling.

“We will continue to tell the people the truth and hope someone will hear us,” he said in a phone interview.

Rivera said that with the latest development, Napoles has decided not to submit yet the documentary evidence in her possession to support her two affidavits containing her supposed tell-all account of how she had taken part in lawmakers’ embezzling of their Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF).

“Why would we give (the papers)? What’s the need when they’re not accepting us (as witness)?” the lawyer pointed out.

Her other lawyer, Stephen David, said they were “saddened” by the ombudsman’s decision to reject her bid for immunity from prosecution.

“We’re sad. We’re availing of other legal remedies,” David texted The STAR in Filipino. He did not specify what legal steps they intend to take next. – Mike Frialde