Napoles daughter back in Philippines?

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Justice (DOJ) is verifying reports that Jeane Napoles, daughter of alleged pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Lim-Napoles, has returned to the country.

De Lima said she has tapped the National Bureau of Investigation to look into reports that Jeane was seen dining at a five-star hotel in Pasay City with her father and siblings last Thursday.

De Lima yesterday said records of the Bureau of Immigration, which is under her office’s administrative supervision, would also be checked.

Jeane, who is studying in California, is facing a P32.06-million tax evasion case before the Court of Tax Appeals (CTA) after being indicted by the DOJ in September last year.

De Lima said the NBI would also check on status of the case in the CTA – if a warrant of arrest has been issued against Jeane.

Bruce Rivera, lawyer of the Napoles family, has refused to comment on the issue.

The younger Napoles was earlier charged in court by the DOJ for violating the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC) for an alleged total tax liability of P32.06 million, inclusive of surcharges and interests, for 2011 and 2012.

After preliminary investigation, the DOJ found that Jeane was able to acquire a condominium unit at the Ritz Carlton in Los Angeles, California worth P54.73 million; and has a share equivalent to P1.49 million in a Bayambang, Pangasinan property purchased in 2012.

Prosecutors said an analysis of the evidence showed there is probable cause to charge Jeane for violation of Sections 254 and 255 of the NIRC.

The two sections pertain to attempts to evade or defeat tax, and failure to return, supply correct and accurate information, pay tax, withhold and remit tax and refund excess taxes withheld on compensation.

Jeane did not file any income tax return (ITR) in 2011 and 2012. There were also no records of returns filed that will prove that gifts were given to her.

She became controversial after photos in her social media accounts showed her lavish lifestyle, including expensive cars she supposedly received from her parents for her birthday, as well as luxurious watches, jewelry, clothing, and shoes.

Separation pay for whistle-blowers

Meanwhile, the labor department has ordered Napoles to provide separation pay and back wages to two whistle-blowers she illegally dismissed at the height of the pork barrel scam in 2013.

An 11-page decision of the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) obtained by The STAR directed Janet to pay Marina Sula and Arlene Baltazar, who were earning P50,000 and P45,000 respectively.– With Aie Balagtas See