Ombudsman: No immunity for Napoles

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales in a senate hearing. / Photo from her Facebook Page

MANILA — The Office of the Ombudsman denied the alleged pork barrel scam mastermind, Janet Lim-Napoles’ application for immunity on grounds of her failure to meet the qualifications to become an immune witness.

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales said in a statement released on Thursday that Napoles “appears to be the most guilty of all respondents.”

Napoles was earlier reported to have said that she is willing to return the kickbacks she earned in exchange for her immunity.

President Benigno Aquino III, who seems to be not open to the idea of immunity, however said that the government will recover the funds whether she returns them or not.

The immunity, was however granted to whistleblowers Benhur Luy, Marina Sula, Merlina Suñas, Mary Arlene Baltazar and Simonette Briones.

With reports from GMA News