Duterte not micro-manager on Napoles’ possible inclusion in witness protection program, Roque says

March 19, 2018

President Rodrigo Duterte is not micro-managing as he leaves to the Department of Justice (DOJ) whether alleged pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Lim Napoles will be admitted under the Witness Protection Program (WPP).

In a press briefing in Camarines Sur Monday, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said under the law, the inclusion at the program lies in the hands of public prosecutors under the DOJ.

"When it comes to the witness protection, the problem is, the president is not a micro-manager," he said.

But he clarified that Napoles is not yet totally accepted in the WPP.

What was given to Napoles was just a "provisional protection," he said, adding, "She is not yet admitted into the program."

Roque said Napoles' admission to WPP is still being studied "if she is not the most guilty, and if her testimony is absolutely indispensable."

He reiterated that Duterte does not need to meddle in all things.

But he added that Duterte has to interfere with the dismissal of the complaints against two suspected drug lords, Kerwin Espinosa and Peter Lim, because it has "huge impact on the president's campaign against illegal drugs."

"So right now, we respect the decision of the DOJ because it's their duty under the law creating the Witness Protection Program," he said.

As to whether Duterte still has trust and confidence in Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II, Roque said the DOJ chief is still in the Cabinet. Celerina Monte/DMS