Napoles Request To Transfer To Witness Protection Program Denied By
Sandiganbayan
The Sandigandayan division has denied the request of Janet Lim Napoles to be transferred to government’s witness protection program.
The court’s First Division pointed out that the alleged pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Lim-Napoles is under detention for a lawful cause, according to the four-page resolution.
The bail petition of Napoles has been also denied regarding with her connection to P224.5 million plunder case for former Senator Bong Revilla.
Napoles’ petition to be transferred to witness protection program contradicts Article XI, Section 1 of the 2012 implementing rules and regulations of the Witness Protection, Security and Benefit Act.
“The Program shall not take into protective custody a witness who is under detention for any lawful cause. However, it shall direct the custodian of the witness to take necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of the witness,” the provision stated.
The court also said that the denial of the instant motion is warranted under the premises and the provision does not admit any exception.
The alleged pork barrel scam mastermind mentioned of her request the approval of the Department of Justice (DOJ) for her admission into the witness protection program.
The decision of Sandigan court only affects the issue of Napoles’ custody, but not the plan of government to use her as a witness on the future pork barrel scam cases.
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