Kerwin drug case and Napoles as state witness 'priorities' of new DOJ chiefMANILA, Philippines — Newly appointed justice chief Menardo Guevarra said that the drug case against Kerwin Espinosa and application of alleged pork barrel mastermind Janet Lim Napoles as state witness are on top of the cases he will review. Citing weak evidence, the DOJ junked the police-filed drug raps against Espinosa, Cebu-based businessman Peter Lim, inmate Peter Co and a dozen others. Under the rules of the DOJ, dismissal of drug raps are automatically elevated to the Office of the Justice Secretary for review. The justice department reopened its investigation into the multi-billion Priority Development Assistance Fund program under the administration of former President Benigno Aquino III. The Office of the Ombudsman has insisted that the Sandiganbayan hold the authority on Napoles’ application as state witness, as she is currently facing a string of plunder charges at the anti-graft court.

Source: Philippine Star April 09, 2018 08:26 UTC