Janet Lim Napoles, the alleged mastermind behind the 2013 Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam – also known as the “pork barrel” scam – was convicted by the Pasig Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 158 of 13 counts of money laundering.
The case was jointly initiated and prosecuted by the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) and the Department of Justice (DOJ).
In its statement, the AMLC said the court sentenced Napoles to seven to 14 years of imprisonment for each count and ordered her to pay a fine of P94.15 million.
It added that the judgment of conviction may be subject to appeal.
This marks the second conviction secured by the AMLC against Napoles in connection with the pork barrel scam, following a 2024 decision by Manila RTC Branch 24.
“In this 2025 conviction, the Trial Court found that Napoles planned a scheme involving the creation of bogus non-government organizations (NGOs) to receive pork barrel funds for ghost projects,” the AMLC explained.
“By making it appear that the funds originated from legitimate sources, Napoles concealed their criminal origin—an act that fully satisfied the elements of money laundering under the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2001, as amended,” it added.
The conviction comes as the AMLC intensifies investigations into financial crimes amid ongoing controversies surrounding flood control projects.
AMLC Executive Director Matthew M. David welcomed the court’s decision, calling it a demonstration of the agency’s commitment to pursuing individuals who exploit the financial system to conceal corruption.
“This sends a strong message: those who abuse public funds will be held accountable,” David said.
The agency emphasized that the successful prosecution underscores the power of inter-agency cooperation in dismantling complex financial schemes and reinforces the government’s unified stance against corruption.
“Together with its partners, the AMLC continues to build momentum in holding accountable those who abuse public trust and divert resources meant for national development,” it said. (Richielyn Canlas)
