Press Release
April 13, 2016

SEN. TG GUINGONA'S STATEMENT ON THE GRANTING OF BAIL TO JANET LIM-NAPOLES AND MASBATE GOV. RIZALINA SEACHON-LAÑETE

Today's news of Janet Lim-Napoles and Masbate Gov. Rizalina Seachon-Lañete being granted bail for the case of plunder has incited public outrage. The people's frustration and fear are understandable: Plunder is a serious criminal offense and an outright affront to the people's trust.

While we respect the decision of the 4th Division of the Sandiganbayan, Napoles's and Lañete's exercise of their right to bail is not indicative of acquittal as their cases are still at the preliminary stage and appeals can still be made. Furthermore, the illegal detention suit filed against her by PDAF scam whistleblower Benhur Luy still firmly guarantees her stay in jail despite the plunder bail.

At this juncture, we strongly urge the prosecution to be diligent in presenting sufficient evidence and the court to exercise due caution in its proceedings. After all, this is people's money, more so public trust, that we are talking about.

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