MANILA - Civil society groups under the #ScrapPork Network formally demanded for the full public disclosure of the so-called "Napoles list," a list of lawmakers implicated by alleged "pork barrel" scam architect Janet Lim Napoles in the siphoning of billions of the now-abolished Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF).
In a letter on Tuesday to De Lima, exactly two weeks after De Lima obtained Napoles' affidavit detailing the scam and the latter's alleged cohorts, the group invoked the "people's right to information" in demanding for the disclosure of Napoles' affidavit, in full, and her list.
De Lima has refused to release the list and the affidavit, stressing that Napoles' claims have to be verified.
#ScrapPork Network, however, said the public has the right to know who the lawmakers are so that they can also independently verify the information if they so wish.
"Even as we are aware of the possible inconclusive nature of her statements, these remain relevant and material information to enable citizens to independently inquire into and verify what funds and projects were involved, and who among our public officials may have been involved,” the letter read.
"Specifically, we request that we be furnished a copy of any document or paper submitted to you by Mrs. Napoles containing her statements and recollections regarding the alleged anomalous transactions. We make this demand pursuant to our right to information as guaranteed under Art III, Sec 7 of the Constitution," it further read.
The group further said that delaying the public disclosure of the affidavit and list would cast doubt on De Lima's actions and motive.
"The people are clamoring for transparency and accountability. The people are hungry for justice... Madam Secretary, as a public servant of the Filipino people, we enjoin you to make available any and all information which Mrs. Napoles relayed to you in relation to the PDAF scam," the letter read.
The #ScrapPork Network said De Lima should uphold the very essence of the office she heads.
On Monday, the Whistleblowers Association of the Philippines also formally asked for the full public disclosure of Napoles' sworn statement and list.