Higher stakes

THE stakes in uncovering the truth behind the controversial pork barrel scam just got higher.
On November 7, the stage is set at a Senate public hearing, for a face off between the whistleblowers, who bore the truth in the misuse of Filipinos’ tax money and the alleged mastermind, who allegedly siphoned off P10 billion from the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) of lawmakers through dubious government agencies under her name.
Senate President Franklin Drilon signed on October 21, the subpoena compelling the woman at the center of the controversy, Janet Lim-Napoles to appear before the Senate’s investigation on the pork barrel scam. The Makati Regional Trial Court granted the Senate request and allowed Napoles to appear and testify before the Senate hearing.
The court currently has custody over Napoles who is detained at Fort Sto. Domingo in Sta. Rosa, Laguna due to serious illegal detention charges filed by her cousin and whistleblower, Benhur Luy.
The subpoena requested by Senate Blue Ribbon Committee chair Senator Teofisto Guingona III, has been initially denied by Drilon upon the recommendation of Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales.
Morales said it is not advisable to summon Napoles since the alleged mastermind is already facing plunder charges before the anti graft body.
“The publicity that may be spawned by the testimony of Ms. Napoles would, among other things, adversely affect public interest, prejudice the safety of witnesses or the disposition of cases against her and/or her co-respondents pending before this Office, or unduly expose them to ridicule or public censure,” Morales explained.
After weeks of pressure from his colleagues, Drilon caved in to their demands.
In a privilege speech last week, Drilon said that his decision to finally sign the subpoena remains committed to the orderly administration of justice.
“As your Senate President, I have always said that this Senate investigation will be relentless in searching for the truth. I consider the Pork Barrel Scam as a great injustice to the Filipino people,” Drilon said.
Drilon said that the Senate investigation’s priority is to prosecute all those involved and ensure those who misused public funds will be held accountable.
“Ensuring that justice is upheld will always be the priority of this administration and that is the reason why we are now working towards holding accountable those who have taken advantage of the loopholes in the system,” Drilon added.
For his part, Sen. Guingona assured that Napoles presence in the witness stand will not turn the investigation into a circus.
“As long as it is under my watch, it would never be a circus. You have seen how I have conducted hearings, it has never turned into a circus. Let’s see what she has to say. The best assurance is that she sees we are fair during the hearing,” Guigona told reporters after Drilon signed the subpoena.
Napoles has two cards left to play, to invoke her right against self-incrimination or to come clean and shed light on accusations  thrown against her and her political cohorts. If she chooses to keep her silence, she might face yet another wave of public outrage. If she chooses to tell her side of the story, she’ll allow justice to take its course.
Through the course of the investigation and regardless of what the outcome of the November 7 public hearing will be, the ultimate judgement will come from the aggrieved party, the Filipino people.
(AJPress)