MANILA – Alleged pork barrel scam mastermind Janet-Lim Napoles was transferred to the Correctional Institute for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong City from Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City.
Makati Regional Trial Court (RTC) Judge Elmo Alameda ordered Napoles’ transfer, which was carried out at 1:38 a.m. last Thursday. Napoles filed a petition preventing her transfer but her appeal was denied.
“Napoles is not alone in her cell. She will be together with other inmates,” CIW officer-in-charge Idilinda Patac said, mentioning that a regular cell at the CIW contained at least 100 inmates.
Napoles was convicted of serious illegal detention for holding pork barrel scam witness and former aide Benhur Luy against his will for three months. She was also sentenced to reclusion perpetua, including a term of up to 40 years imprisonment.
The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) then faced a dilemma since the Sandiganbayan ordered for Napoles to be held at Camp Bagong Diwa.
Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice Amparo Cabatoje-Tang later on allowed Napoles’ transfer.
Aside from illegal detention, Napoles is also facing plunder charges in relation to the multi-billion peso scam.