A welcome development

Jeane Napoles is the daughter of Janet Lim Napoles, who became infamous for her luxurious lifestyle shown in social media. She documented her lavish birthday party during the time of their lives apparently paid for by the Filipino people. According to the DOJ, the young Napoles left the country on July 27, a few days before she was indicted by a federal court in California for conspiracy to commit domestic and international money laundering. Also indicted were her mother, a sister, uncle and aunt. According to Secretary Guevarra, authorities did not know where Napoles went. But isn’t that information required on an immigration departure card as well? Immigration officers also often ask what the occupation of the departing passenger is. And if they realized a Napoles was leaving the country, I’m sure they asked more questions. It is hard to believe that Napoles could purchase a ticket without a destination.

But according to her lawyer, she has already returned to the country, even personally picking her up at the airport. She is ready to face cases both here and abroad to prove her innocence. According to immigration, the other accused are still in the country. It is possible they will all face extradition if requested by the US courts, except for Janet Lim Napoles who is currently facing charges here. Napoles can only be extradited after her cases are terminated, according to the Sandiganbayan. Those not facing cases in the country may already be extradited.

The indictment by a US federal court is a very welcome development. About $20 million in Philippine public funds were allegedly funneled by Napoles to banks in the US. The money was used to buy into businesses, purchase cars, real estate, and pay for the lavish lifestyles of Jeane Napoles and other relatives at the height of their nefarious scheme. The US has begun to seize assets owned by Napoles. The funds can be returned to the government as the case progresses. A welcome development indeed.

In the US, they most likely have no one to protect them. They most likely have no friends in the DOJ to delay cases against them. They will not be used against any administration. Obviously the wheels of justice turn much faster there. Here, the case of Janet Lim Napoles has already crossed over into a new administration. A “favorable” administration that has even put her into the justice department’s witness protection program, after allegedly offering “new testimony” that most likely would have been used against its critics and officials of the past administration. Yet we have seen what this family did to millions in public funds. Funds that could have been used to help so many Filipinos, instead of being used to party in Beverly Hills, cruise California in expensive cars, complete with all the expensive trinkets and baubles.

Let the fast and furious wheels of justice in the US turn indeed. Let justice be carried out as soon as possible because the case against Janet Lim Napoles here will surely take more time.