Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 18) — Businesswoman Janet Lim Napoles has asked the Sandiganbayan to immediately dismiss a plunder case she faces in connection with the multibillion-peso pork barrel scam.
Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang said Napoles filed a demurrer to evidence without the court’s permission.
“The court said it will be resolved together with the main decision, pursuant to the courts’ 2019 Revised Internal Rules,” Tang added.
An accused typically asks the court’s permission first through a motion for leave of court before filing a demurrer, which essentially seeks immediate dismissal after the prosecution rests its case.
Tang also chairs the anti-graft’s 3rd division handling the plunder and graft charges against Napoles.
The charges stem from the alleged diversion of the pork barrel of former senator, now Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile through Napoles’ bogus non-government organizations.
Enrile previously filed a demurrer to evidence, which the court said will be resolved together with the main decision.
The Sandiganbayan is now hearing evidence from the defense, particularly from Enrile’s former chief of staff Jessica Lucila “Gigi” Reyes.
