MANILA: Janet Lim-Napoles’ appearance before the Senate Blue Ribbon committee will depend on the court hearing her case of serious illegal detention.
On Wednesday, Senate President Franklin Drilon announced his decision to sign the subpoena for the appearance of Napoles at the Senate, ahead of an all-senators’ caucus.
Blue Ribbon committee vice chairman Senator Sergio Osmeña III said they still need to get the permission of the Makati Regional Trial Court for Napoles to appear and testify on the investigation on the pork barrel scam.
“We will send a letter to the court, asking its permission to let Napoles appear,” he said.
Osmeña said the Office of the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms will deliver the subpoena to the court.
“We can’t subpoena the court,” he said. “The subpoena will be addressed to Napoles under pain of contempt.” The court has custody over the person of Napoles, who is detained at Fort Sto Domingo in Sta Rosa, Laguna, Osmeña said.
The Makati court issued the warrant of arrest against Napoles on serious illegal detention charges. It had ordered her transferred to Fort Sto Domingo from the Makati City Jail.
Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Jose Balajadia said his office is ready to serve the subpoena once they receive it. They will have to coordinate with police on the matter, he added.
Osmeña said the Senate might hold the hearing at Fort Sto Domingo or a secured place, wherever it may be, if the court would not accede to the Senate request. “I don’t see any reason for the court to prevent her from appearing,” he said. “The court has the power over her.”
Osmeña said technically, the court may disallow Napoles from attending the Blue Ribbon committee hearing. “In my understanding, the court has custody and the court can find a reason... it may endanger her life, but they have to give a good reason,” he said. “In which case, if that happens, we will conduct it (hearing) in her detention quarters.”
The Philippine star
