By VERA Files
Two whistleblowers in the pork barrel scam said Thursday that a former Malacañang consultant sold his Rockwell condo unit to Janet L. Napoles, allegedly the brains of the pork barrel scam that has dragged the names of a number of lawmakers and their staff.
Marina Sula and Benhur Luy said they saw Yamsuan twice in Napoles office in Discovery Suites. “Nagpunta kasi siya sa office sa Discovery, mayroon siyang in-offer na condo sa Rockwell na nakapangalan sa misis niya na binili ni Ms. Janet Napoles,” Sula told the Senate Blue Ribbon committee investigating the anomalous use of the Priority Development Assistance Fund.
But the sale of the three-bedroom unit was not completed because of incomplete documentary requirements, the two said.
VERA Files earlier reported that Yamsuan, a consultant in the office of Executive Secretary Paquito “Jojo” Ochoa, was fired last Aug. 12 when President Aquino learned of his links with Napoles after his name was mentioned in the interview by Inquirer editors and columnists with the controversial pork barrel operator, the transcript of which was run by the newspaper verbatim.
Yamsuan’s wife, Cathy, is one of Inquirer’s Senate reporters.
VERA Files reported that Yamsuan, who was formerly undersecretary to Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno under the Arroyo administration, was heavily indebted due to gambling. Hounded by casino loan sharks, he sold his two units in Rockwell, an upscale condominium in Makati, and some vehicles.
Still short of money to fully pay his debts, Yamsuan sought the help of a senator who called Napoles, who in turn immediately delivered the money at the casino.
(VERA Files is put out by veteran journalists taking a deeper look at current issues. Vera is Latin for “true.”)