Push Admin

State prosecutors oppose Napoles' appeal on plunder conviction

Article (news)

Adrian Ayalin, ABS-CBN News

<div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="https://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/news/08/01/20170510-janet-napoles-jc-2.jpg"/><figcaption>Janet Lim Napoles. File photo</figcaption></figure></div>MANILA- Government prosecutors have opposed alleged Priority Development Assistance Fund scam mastermind Janet Lim Napoles&#x27; appeal on her plunder conviction.In a “vigorous opposition,” the prosecution led by Deputy Special Prosecutor Manuel Soriano countered Napoles&#x27; claim that the Sandiganbayan should have acquitted her because there was no main plunderer in her case involving former senator Bong Revilla.Napoles was convicted along with Revilla&#x27;s former chief-of-staff Richard Cambe in the P224-million plunder case, while Revilla was <a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/12/07/18/bong-revilla-cleared-of-plunder-in-pork-barrel-scam-case">acquitted</a>.The case involved Revilla&#x27;s discretionary funds during his time as lawmaker.“Napoles simply cited a portion of the information and jumped into a mistaken conclusion that she was therein referred to as the main plunderer. Needless to state, the information must be read and calibrated in its entirety and not be myopically construed,” Soriano said.In her motion for reconsideration, Napoles insisted that she should have been acquitted like Revilla.<ul class="op-related-articles">	<li><a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/12/28/18/napoles-appeals-plunder-conviction">Napoles appeals plunder conviction</a></li></ul>In their opposition, the prosecution recognized that the court acquitted Revilla but noted that it also found that Cambe had amassed P124.5 million.“At this juncture, we need not belabor the issue on whether or not the money intended for Revilla was actually received by him. The court has spoken and it has acquitted Revilla of the crime charged,” Soriano said. The prosecution also countered the attack of Napoles on the credibility of witnesses led by whistle blower Benhur Luy, as well as the supposed recantation by witnesses Marina Sula and Mary Arlene Baltazar.“While it is true that Napoles endeavored to question the veracity of the testimonies of the whistle blowers, the reason advanced in an effort to case doubts on the credibility of said witnesses, is insufficient to overcome the value or weight of their testimonies which are properly confirmed by the documentary and circumstantial evidence adduced by the prosecution in this case,” Soriano said.

Government prosecutors opposed convicted plunderer and alleged "pork barrel" scam mastermind Janet Lim Napoles' appeal on her plunder conviction.

Government prosecutors opposed convicted plunderer and alleged "pork barrel" scam mastermind Janet Lim Napoles' appeal on her plunder conviction.

State prosecutors oppose Napoles' appeal on plunder conviction

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

News

State prosecutors oppose Napoles' appeal on plunder conviction

Adrian Ayalin,

ABS-CBN News

Published January 16, 2019 01:20 PM PHT

|

Updated January 16, 2019 01:21 PM PHT

Read More:

plunder

Janet Lim Napoles

Bong Revilla

Richard Cambe

prosecution

motion for reconsideration

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.