De Lima denies Trillanes, 2 others involved in pork barrel scam

MANILA, Philippines - Justice Secretary Leila De Lima has denied reports that three more senators, who ran under the administration's coalition in May, are also allegedly involved in the pork barrel scam.

De Lima categorically denied that Senators Antonio Trillanes IV, Loren Legarda, and Koko Pimentel are in any way connected to the on-going investigation on the controversy.

"We are wondering where those additional names are coming from. As far as I know, those names do not appear in the documents/records currently in NBI's (National Bureau of Investigation) possession," a news release from Trillanes' office quoted De Lima as saying.

"There appear to be unseen hands or elements that are trying to muddle the on-going NBI probe," De Lima added.

Meanwhile, NBI Director Caesar Rojas also clarified that the information linking the three senators to the pork barrel scam did not come from their agency.

"We just want to make it of record na as far as NBI is concerned, wala kaming mga nilalabas na pangalan," he said. "Wala din kaming dokumento na nilalabas implicating the senators and even yung mga ibang personalities."

Allegations have surfaced that the pork barrel or the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) of several lawmakers are poured into dummy non-government organizations (NGOs) purportedly for ghost projects worth over P10 billion.

On Thursday, Pimentel also denied the reports that dragged his name, saying "not a single centavo" of his PDAF went to any NGOs and foundations being alleged to be fronts in the pork barrel scam.

"My list of PDAF projects is open to the public for scrutiny. I, therefore, welcome any and all investigations on this matter," he said in a statement.

Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala has also been dragged into the controversy, but Malacañang said he is willing to testify on the accusations against him.

"Nag-usap sila ni Pangulong Aquino kahapon. Lahat ito, sabi ni Secretary Alcala, ay handa siyang magpaliwanag at sagutin," Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said.