Napoles convicted of money laundering anew
Janet Napoles has been found guilty of 13 counts of money laundering in connection with the 2013 “pork barrel” scam, the Anti-Money Laundering Council said.
According to a BusinessWorld report, the Pasig City Regional Trial Court Branch 158 sentenced Napoles to seven to 14 years imprisonment for each count of money laundering and a ₱94.15-million fine.
This is the second conviction won by the AMLC, in collaboration with the Department of Justice, against Napoles involving the 2013 PDAF (Priority Development Assistance Fund) or pork barrel scam she allegedly masterminded. In 2024, the Manila RTC Branch 24 sentenced Napoles to seven to 14 years in prison and a fine of ₱16 million.
In its ruling, the Pasig RTC narrated how Napoles schemed to use bogus non-government organizations to claim pork barrel funds for ghost projects.
“By making it appear that the funds originated from legitimate sources, Napoles concealed its criminal origin—an act that fully satisfied the elements of money laundering under the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2001, as amended,” the AMLC said.
Both the 2024 and 2025 anti-money laundering convictions, which are subject to appeal, were seen by the AMLC as significant milestones in its fight against financial crimes.
“This sends a strong message: those who abuse public funds will be held accountable,” AMLC executive director Matthew M. David said in a statement.
“Napoles’ conviction is a significant victory in the government’s fight against corruption. It serves as a powerful reminder that the AMLC, in collaboration with other government agencies, is committed to prosecuting individuals involved in the plunder of public funds,” he added.
On Aug. 22, Napoles was sentenced to up to 55 years in prison for diverting ₱7.55 million in the pork barrel of Davao del Sur Vice Gov. Marc Douglas Cagas IV.
Napoles is currently serving multiple prison sentences for earlier convictions related to the PDAF scam at the Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong City.
