The Department of Justice won’t appeal the decision of the Court of Appeals acquitting suspected “pork barrel” fund scam mastermind Janet L. Napoles over the serious illegal detention case filed by Benhur Luy.
“I don’t think so,” DoJ Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II said.
Aguirre expressed his intention to seek the help of Napoles in the review of the pork barrel fund scam.
The CA 12th Division has issued a decision dated May 5 which granted her motion to overturn her conviction by a Makati City Regional Trial Court.
The case stemmed over allegations pork barrel fund scam whistleblower Luy was detained by Napoles from December 2012 up to March 2013 when he was rescued by the National Bureau of Investigation.
Aguirre backed the manifestation filed by Solicitor General Jose Calida before the CA supporting the motion of Napoles. “He (Calida) is right to move for the dismissal of the case,” said the Secretary.
“May basehan naman ang motion niya to dismiss kasi napruwebahan doon na hindi naman nare-restrain ang full liberty ni Mr. Luy,” said Aguirre.
Meanwhile, Aguirre said it is uncertain if Napoles will turn into a state witness in the pork barrel fund scam.
Before she becomes state witness, the Justice Secretary explained “she should not appear to be the most guilty” and her testimony should be “indispensable.” (Jeffrey G. Damicog)