Pasig RTC convicts Napoles of 13 counts of money laundering linked to 2013 'pork barrel'
The Pasig Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 158 on Wednesday, Oct. 1, convicted Janet Lim Napoles, the alleged mastermind of the 2013 Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam or “pork barrel” scam, on 13 counts of money laundering.
Janet Lim-Napoles, the alleged mastermind of the pork barrel fund scam. (MB file photo)
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 of 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,” it explained.
“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,” it added.
The conviction comes as the AMLC steps up investigations into financial crimes amid ongoing flood control project controversies.
AMLC Executive Director Matthew M. David welcomed the court’s decision, calling it a demonstration of the agency’s pursuit of 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 said that the successful prosecution of the case emphasizes 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.
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