Napoles did not tag 19 senators - lawyer

MANILA, Philippines — Janet Lim-Napoles did not name 19 more senators allegedly involved in the pork barrel scam during her recent meeting with Justice Secretary Leila De Lima, the businesswoman's lawyer said on Wednesday.

In a phone-patch interview on ANC's Headstart, Atty. Bruce Rivera belied reports that the suspected pork barrel scam mastermind had tagged 19 more incumbent and former senators, including members of the ruling Liberal Party of President Benigno Aquino III.

"That's pure misinformation. The number 19 is false," Rivera told program host Karen Davila.

Rivera also denied that Napoles asked De Lima to make her a state witness in the case. He said this is a "false" assumption since the businesswoman only told the justice chief her side of the story.

"We never asked for her to be state witness. We never asked for her to be under the witness protection program. We never did that and Secretary De Lima can attest to that," Rivera said.

The lawyer also denied that during the meeting with De Lima, Napoles' supposed intent to return her alleged kickbacks was discussed.

On Tuesday, De Lima said Napoles wants to turn state witness as she took a "tell-all" sworn statement during their recent meeting at the Ospital ng Makati.

According to De Lima, Napoles confirmed the involvement of Senate Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile as well as Senators Ramon Revilla Jr. and Jinggoy Estrada in the controversy.

The justice chief did not disclose the content of the affidavit pending its verification. But she said Napoles gave "really a lot of details."

Napoles' lawyer said they are leaving it to the Department of Justice (DOJ) as to what will happen to the businesswoman's testimony.

"What we told Secretary De Lima is this: This is our testimony, do what you want to do with this. If you find it sufficient, then it's your discretion," Rivera said.

But the lawyer said it will be fine with them if Napoles is admitted as a state witness, although he is not recommending this option to the businesswoman.

"Well, if the DOJ and the Ombudsman find it appropriate (to make her a state witness), then why not? But at this point, I am not even contemplating it to (sic) her," Rivera said.

He also said that it is an "unfair assumption" that Napoles wants to get off the hook that is why she wants to tell all.

"Clearly, if you are sick or there is already an operation... persons can just say something. If she wants to talk, then it's her prerogative," the lawyer said.

"At the end of the day, she just wants to ventilate her side and tell her story," Rivera added. -Louis Bacani