Manila court finds Napoles guilty of money laundering

A MANILA court has convicted Janet Lim Napoles for money laundering in connection with the pork barrel scam which she allegedly masterminded.

In her July 12, 2024 decision, Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 24 Presiding Judge Ma. Victoria Soriano-Villadolid said the prosecution presented sufficient evidence to secure the conviction of Napoles “beyond reasonable doubt” for violation of Republic Act 9160, or the Anti-Money Laundering Act.

The court sentenced Napoles to a prison term ranging from seven to 14 years. She was also ordered to pay a fine of P16 million.

To recall, the Anti-Money Laundering Council sued Napoles in connection with the misuse of the pork barrel of Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr.

The AMLC accused Napoles of committing money laundering when she misappropriated Revilla’s pork barrel funds from the bank accounts of several non-government organizations.

It said the amounts in the bank accounts of the NGOs were proceeds from plunder, citing the conviction of Revilla’s former chief of staff Richard Cambe by the Sandiganbayan.

Revilla was acquitted for plunder by the anti-graft court.

The AMLC told the court that Napoles cannot deny her guilt because there were evidence showing that the NGOs were established upon her instructions.

It also noted that withdrawals from the NGOs’ accounts required her prior approval before they are approved by the banks.