MANILA – The Department of Justice (DOJ) has terminated the provisional coverage of alleged pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Lim-Napoles under its witness protection program (WPP).
DOJ secretary Menardo Guevarra informed Napoles about the termination, which is effective May 25.
“Considering the denial of Napoles’ motion for transfer of custody to the DOJ WPSBP (Witness Protection Security and Benefit Program)by the 1st, 3rd and 5th Divisions of the Sandiganbayan, the main purpose of which Napoles had sought admission into WPSBP, has become moot and academic,” Guevarra said.
He added that since there has been “no further claim of threats to her personal security inside the Camp Bagong Diwa,” there is “no reason to extend further Napoles’ provisional coverage under WPP.”
Napoles was admitted to DOJ’s WPP on Feb. 27, when then DOJ secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II granted her security protection for witness duty only for a period not exceeding 90 days.
Napoles had requested to be admitted into the WPP of the DOJ due to alleged threats to her personal security, specifically requesting protection by way of transfer from her place of detention at Camp Bagong Diwa.
Republic Act No. 6981,or the Witness Protection Act, states that before a person is admitted into the WPP, he or she shall execute a sworn statement describing in detail the manner in which the offense was committed and his or her participation.
For an applicant to qualify as state witness, he or she must be the least guilty of the alleged crime committed. Napoles had reportedly submitted an affidavit implicating several lawmakers and former executive officials in the scam.
Napoles faces several plunder and graft charges before six divisions of Sandiganbayan for alleged involvement in a P10-billion pork barrel scam.
Napoles allegedly conspired with about 12 former lawmakers to divert public funds to her fake nongovernmental organizations./PN
