Why Kapunan resigned as counsel for Napoles

MANILA -- Atty. Lorna Kapunan has resigned as counsel for Janet Lim Napoles in the serious illegal detention case filed against her by pork scam whistle-blower Benhur Luy, citing a "difference of opinion on strategy." Speaking with radio dzMM, Kapunan said she has deferred to Atty. Freddie Villamor, who has handled the case since the preliminary investigation stage. She said Villamor will continue with the cross-examination and presentation of rebuttal evidence of Napoles in her petition for bail in connection with the illegal detention case. Kapunan said Napoles, who is currently detained in Fort Sto. Domingo in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, wants to visit the tomb of her mother at the Heritage Park in Taguig City on November 1. "Sapagkat concerned sila na tatagal pa ang hearing sa bail. Eh si Atty. Villamor na lang na siyang more familiar with the case ang magtutuloy ng kasong ito," Kapunan said. She said it is the policy of her law office to withdraw from a case if it cannot be the lead counsel. She also said there was a difference in strategy between her and Villamor. "Hindi pwedeng may difference on opinion... Mas mabilis kung isa lang ang handling lawyer," she added. Radio dzMM, October 30, 2013