Whistleblowers file counter affidavit vs Janet Napoles

Whistleblowers Benhur Luy and Merlina Suñas on Wednesday submitted their counter-affidavit in response to the perjury charges filed against them by suspected pork barrel scam facilitator Janet Lim-Napoles.

Clad in bulletproof vests and escorted by heavily-armed security personnel provided by the Department of Justice, Luy and Suñas appeared before Manila Assistant Prosecutor Philger Inovejas before 10 a.m., according to Ruth Cabal's report on "Balitanghali."

Napoles' camp had filed perjury complaints against Luy and Suñas for accusing Mrs Napoles of soliciting money from lawmakers' Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) – for non-existent projects through fictitious organizations.

Luy's family was also included in the perjury complaint, Napoles' lawyer Lorna Kapunan said.

Luy and Suñas arrived earlier than expected at the Manila Prosecutor's Office due to security concerns.

Aside from the two, Luy's mother, Gertrude, and sister, Annabelle, also showed up to submit their counter-affidavits.

Luy's father, Arturo, and brother, Arthur, who are also co-accused, were out-of-town but they will submit their counter-affidavits later,  according to their lawyer Dominic Garen.

On the other hand, lawyer Tristan Zoleta, who represents Napoles in the perjury charges against the whistleblowers, expressed confidence with their case even though his client is being detained for serious illegal detention charges filed by Luy's camp.

The report added that the court gave Napoles until September 13 to submit a reply affidavit, or a resolution will be filed. —  Amanda Fernandez /LBG, GMA News