MANILA - A political analyst on Thursday said he does not expect alleged pork scam mastermind Janet Lim Napoles to say anything of significance during today's Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing. Prof. Edmund Tayao said it would be suicide for Napoles if she decides to implicate everyone in the P10 billion pork barrel scam. "Her network is not limited to one side of the political fence. She has to be very, very, very careful not to implicate practically everyone or accuse anyone from both sides. If you are in her position you want to be in a position to protect yourself. Otherwise that will be suicide," he said in an interview with ANC's Headstart. Tayao said many senators would want to question Napoles during today's hearing to uncover the truth about the pork scam. "All the senators look at Mrs. Napoles' presence as significant and reports have suggested that the popularity of the Senate was affected by these recent issues. They might want to show to the public that they are one with everyone. They want to get to the bottom of this," he said. Napoles is accused of setting up fake non-government organizations that received billions of pesos in pork barrel funds. At least 38 people including three senators are facing plunder, graft, bribery and malversation charges before the Office of the Ombudsman in connection with the scam. ANC HEADSTART, November 7, 2013
