MANILA, Philippines– The Regional Trial Court (RTC) in Pasig City convicted Janet Lim Napoles on Oct. 1, of 13 counts of money laundering linked to the “pork barrel” scam.
The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) filed the case after uncovering Napoles’ involvement in the misuse of the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF).
The Department of Justice (DOJ) partnered with AMLC in pursuing the prosecution, underscoring efforts to hold accountable those involved in corruption.
Napoles has been serving prison terms since 2018 for her role in the PDAF scam. The new conviction adds to her existing sentences for financial crimes connected to the misuse of public funds.
The RTC’s decision reinforces the government’s campaign against corruption and financial misconduct in public projects. AMLC stressed the importance of imposing penalties on high-profile figures to deter money laundering and protect state resources.
In a separate development, AMLC and the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) signed a Memorandum of Agreement to improve oversight of infrastructure projects. The partnership aims to strengthen investigations, enhance transparency, and prevent irregularities in government spending.
Napoles remains a central figure in the pork barrel controversy, which continues to symbolize systemic corruption in the Philippines. Authorities pursue related cases, highlighting the ongoing push to ensure accountability in the use of public funds.
