Ruby Tuason admits wrongs, seeks absolution

MANILA - Socialite and former Palace aide Ruby Tuason on Thursday said she agreed to participate in the government investigation on the pork barrel scam to seek absolution for her wrongs. In her opening statement before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, Tuason confirmed that she received commissions from alleged pork scam mastermind Janet Lim Napoles and even asked for money from Sen. Jinggoy Estrada. "It would be hypocritical of me to say that I was not motivated by commissions from Mrs. Napoles. I was. The mistake was grave and selfish. The decision haunts me with regret. My conscience can no longer take it," she said. She also confirmed that she asked for help from Sen. Jinggoy Estrada but only as a "litmus test" of his loyalties after they were both implicated in the scam. ANC, February 13, 2014