Tagle dares Napoles: ‘Tell the truth, return the money’

MANILA, April 28, 2014— Alleged pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Lim-Napoles should return the money she supposedly stole and expose all those involved in the controversy.

Hundreds of thousands of Filipinos join the Million March Rally at the Luneta on August 26, 2013 to show their indignation over the misuse of the pork barrel funds by legislators. (Photo by Raymond Bandril/CBCPNews)

This was the challenge made by Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle to Napoles, who earlier expressed a desire to reveal everything she knew about the P10 billion scam.

“Tell the truth and return what is not yours. It is that easy,” Tagle said.

“Justice demands for that, isn’t it? Let’s not make it any more complicated than it already is,” he said.

Last Tuesday, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said that Napoles is ready to talk about the multi-billion racket.

De Lima also clarified that there was no commitment from the government for Napoles to be turned into a state witness, but they are not closing the door on such possibility.

Tagle stressed, whether a state witness or not, Napoles should tell the truth.

“Just tell the truth! Is it a necessity to be a state witness for one to tell the truth?” he said. (CBCPNews)