(Eagle News) — A Sandiganbayan division has denied Janet Lim Napoles’ request to be released from detention and to be transferred to Department of Justice custody under the Witness Protection Program.
The Fourth Division, which is hearing Napoles’ case in connection with the P224.5-million plunder case involving former Senator Bong Revilla, argued she was in detention for a “lawful cause” considering that her bail petition has already been denied.
As such, the Fourth Division argued granting Napoles’ request would run “contrary” to the implementing rules and regulations of the Witness Protection, Security and Benefit Act.
The law explicitly states that the WPP “shall not take into protective custody a witness who is under detention for any lawful cause.”
“Verily, the denial of the instant motion is warranted under the premises,” the division said.
Napoles is also facing cases in the Third and Fifth Divisions in connection with the plunder cases involving former Senators Juan Ponce Enrile and Jinggoy Estrada.
They have, however, yet to announce their action on Napoles’ motions for the transfer.
On Sunday, incoming Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said he would “review” previous actions on Napoles.
Guevarra’s predecessor, Vitaliano Aguirre, allowed the partial admission of Napoles to the WPP.
Aguirre said Napoles could be placed under full coverage if she told all about the pork barrel scam in an affidavit.