Prosecutors to present at least 41 witnesses vs. Bong

MANILA, Philippines - Prosecutors are looking to present at least 41 witnesses against Senator Ramon Revilla Jr. and his co-accused in the plunder and graft charges filed against them by the Office of the Ombudsman.

Government lawyers filed a pre-trial brief before the anti-graft court’s First Division on Monday listing persons who will take the witness stand led by whistleblower Benhur Luy.

Ombudsman prosecutors said Ombudsman probers and Commission on Audit (COA) auditors are also included as witnesses for the prosecution.

The prosecution itemized their number of witnesses at 41 but some entries have more than one name which means that more than 41 will be presented.

Revilla and alleged pork barrel fund scam operator Janet Lim Napoles, also a respondent in the plunder and graft cases, are yet to submit their pre-trial briefs.

Lawyer Stephen David, counsel for Napoles, said they intend to present some 15 witnesses to counter those of the prosecution.

He told The Star that Napoles herself will take the witness stand so that she can defend herself before the anti-graft court.

Hearings on Revilla and Napoles’ petitions for bail will begin on Thursday with the prosecution planning on presenting at least seven witnesses led by a COA auditor.

Richard Cambe, Revilla’s former chief of staff who is also being held at the Philippine National Police (PNP) custodial center in Camp Crame, is also asking for bail.