PNoy on Napoles as state witness: She must surrender first

MANILA, Philippines - Alleged pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Lim-Napoles should first face the charges against her before she is considered to be taken in as a state witness, President Benigno Aquino III said Wednesday.

Reports said that the Department of Justice is not ruling out the possibility of using Napoles as witness in the pork barrel scam, but Aquino stressed that the businesswoman should first be in government custody since a warrant of arrest has already been issued against her.

"Siguro unang-una muna, kailangan ma-serve ‘yung warrant of arrest, mapunta sa custody ng gobyerno itong si Ms. Napoles at humarap doon sa mga akusasyon laban sa kanya," the President said.

He pointed out that Napoles' turning state witness would also have to be studied first before any further action.

"Iyong pagiging state witness, pag-aaralan ‘yan pero ang importante muna – may warrant of arrest, kailangan ma-serve ng Executive itong warrant of arrest," the President said.

Related story: Napoles as state witness?

Aquino announced on Wednesday that a reward of P10-million will be given to anyone who can give information for the immediate arrest of Napoles.

"P10-million ang reward for information leading to the arrest of Ms. Napoles," the President said.

He warned the possible coddlers of Napoles that aiding and abetting a fugitive from the law and obstruction of justice are crimes.

"Harboring of a fugitive, kaso yun. Obstruction of justice, kaso rin yun. So yung babala: kung nasa wastong pag-iisip ang mga kumukupkop sa kanya, dapat maalala ito. At kung akala nila na titigilan namin ang paghahanap dito, nagkakamali sila," the President stressed.

Both Justice Secretary Leila De Lima and Napoles' lawyer Lorna Capunan said the alleged pork barrel scam is still in the country amid reports that three yachts allegedly owned by her were missing.

In an interview on ANC, Kapunan said Napoles would come out if the government can assure her safety.

The lawyer also said that instead of the P10-million reward for information leading to Napoles' arrest, the President should just guarantee her client's safety and security as well as presumption of innocence and due process.

"If she is involved, she will come out with the truth. Just let her come out," Kapunan said. "This latest bounty is not an incentive for her to come out."