#TalkThursday with Lorna Kapunan

MANILA, Philippines – Rappler talks to former legal counsel of Janet Lim Napoles, Lorna Kapunan.

Napoles was tagged as the alleged pork barrel queen – accused of orchestrating a multimillion scam involving lawmakers, fake non-government organizations, and the plunder of the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF). She is detained in Fort Sto Domingo in Laguna for serious illegal detention charges.

As lead counsel for the defense, Kapunan championed Napoles on several occasions. Speaking to Karen Davila of ANC, Kapunan explained, “I believe she is entitled to due process, wherever that leads.” She added, “I want to know the truth about the PDAF.” (READ: Napoles ‘entitled to due process’ – Kapunan)

At the beginning of the investigation, Kapunan insisted Napoles was a scapegoat for politicians who misused their PDAF, adding her client’s armor against all the media attacks was “the truth.” (READ: Kapunan: Napoles is scapegoat of corrupt lawmakers)

In August, during a widespread manhunt for Napoles headed by the National Bureau of Investigation, Kapunan spoke for her client, asking “If you were Mrs Napoles, would you surrender under the circumstances?” (WATCH: Where is Janet Napoles?)

Kapunan also defended Napoles from allegations of so-called special treatment during her detention in Laguna. Kapunan said, “Mahaba itong plunder investigation and it is to the public’ s interest that she be maintained in good physical and mental health.” (The plunder investigation will take a long time.) (READ: Kapunan: Napoles ‘talking to self’)

But on October 30, the last day of Napoles’ bail hearing, Kapunan shocked the public with her resignation as Napoles’ defense lawyer. Lawyers close to the case say Kapunan’s resignation came after differences in strategies with Alfredo Villamor, a collaborating counsel. (WATCH: Kapunan resigns on last day of bail hearing) In an interview on radio, Kapunan insisted pressure wasn’t a factor in her decision to withdraw. 

Watch the interview with Kapunan below.

– Rappler.com