Chiz tells DOJ: Get your act together

MANILA - Sen. Francis Escudero urged the Department of Justice to get its act together after two of the witnesses to the pork barrel scam gave conflicting statements. Whistle-blower Benhur Luy said he saw Technology Resource Center chief Dennis Cunanan accepting kickbacks but Cunanan has denied taking any money. Escudero said there is no such thing as a provisional witness especially if government is spending for the witness's security. He has asked the DOJ to amend its rules to include such a category. The DOJ earlier said Cunanan has been provisionally accepted to the witness protection program and that he will be provided security due to alleged threats to his life. "Walang provisional admission sa witness protection. That's why I asked Secretary de Lima about it. Ginagastusan natin tapus di pa pala tanggap," he said. He added: "Cunanan is unique in a way because he is the only government official who has testified about the pork barrel. Unlike [Ruby] Tuason and Luy, they are private citizens." Meanwhile, Escudero reiterated that alleged mastermind Janet Lim Napoles should be transferred to a regular jail. "Ilang preso ang may myoma? Ilan ba sa kanila pinayagan pa-checkup pa sa PNP hospital? Bakit kapag mayaman sikat, nandun ang special attention. Parang tinuturo natin sa kabataan natin: 'Anak ,laki-lakihan mo na para comportable yun kalalagyan mo. Kundi diretso ka na sa city jail.'" Escudero also said the Senate cannot yet sanction lawmakers linked to the scam because the ethics committee has not been formed.