In a unanimous decision dated October 24, 2025, the Sandiganbayan found former Masbate governor-representative Rizalina Seachon-Lanete and businesswoman Janet Lim Napoles not guilty of plunder charges stemming from the alleged misuse of Lanete’s ₱112 million Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF).
The court ruled that the prosecution failed to establish two key elements required for a plunder conviction: first, that the accused amassed ill-gotten wealth amounting to at least ₱50 million; second, proof beyond reasonable doubt of the accused’s knowing participation in a criminal conspiracy.
While Lanete and Napoles walk free of plunder charges, the decision still holds Napoles civilly liable: she must reimburse the government ₱107.34 million plus 6 % interest annually.