The investigation in the multibillion-peso pork barrel scam continues as the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has revealed more names of incumbent and former government officials who are recipients of the filed graft charges.
The NBI said in its separate complaints filed with the Office of the Ombudsman that Senator Gregorio Honasa III, Technical Education and Skills Development Auhtority (Tesda) Director General Joel Villanueva, Cagayan De Oro Rep. Rufus Rodrigues, Manila Rep. Amado Bagatsing, La Union Rep. Victor Ortega and Abono party-list Rep. Conrado Estrella III, have all violated section 3 (e) of the Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
The third batch of officials who are allegedly involved in the controversial scam also included incumbent La Union Governor and former La Union Rep. Manuel Ortega, former Abono party-list rep. Robert Raymundo Estrella and former Zamboanga del Sur Rep. Isidro Real Jr.
NBI said all the respondents were guilty of allocating their Priority Develipment Assistance Fund (PDAF) to the fake foundations allegedly owned by businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles.
Villanueva who earlier denied involvement in the pork barrel scam, meanwhile, said he is prepared to meet the charges against him.
“If it’s gonna come to this, so be it. Hindi ako natatakot sa katotohanan at kailanman ay hindi ako umaatras sa kahit anong laban na ibinibigay sa akin ng aking mga kalaban sa pulitika,” Villanueva said.
H/T: GMA News