Malacañang: Napoles trusts only PNoy

MANILA, Philippines - Alleged pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Lim-Napoles voluntarily surrendered to President Benigno Aquino III because she only trusts the chief executive, Malacañang said on Thursday.

Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said at a televised press briefing that Napoles surrendered Wednesday night on the condition that her safety will be assured.

Lacierda also said that according to Lorna Kapunan, Napoles' legal counsel, the family of the former fugitive "has issues with the [National Bureau of Investigation]," the agency tasked for the nationwide manhunt.

"Ang sabi po ni Atty. Kapunan sa amin, at inulit po ito ni Atty. Kapunan sa harapan ni Presidente na given the situation, siya lang ang tanging taong mapagkakatiwalaan ng pamilya Napoles," said Lacierda.

On Wednesday morning, Aquino announced that the government will offer a P10-million reward for any information leading to the arrest of Napoles.

Kapunan told ANC on Wednesday noon that her client may surrender. Upon watching the news, Lacierda said he immediately called the lawyer to verify her statement.

At 4:06 p.m., Lacierda said he received a call from Kapunan, who claimed that Napoles was finally willing to surrender.

The Palace official then met with Kapunan and Napoles' husband Jimmy at the Pasong Tamo area and went to the Heritage Park, where Napoles and a helper arrived around 9:08 p.m.

Lacierda and Napoles' camp arrived at 9:37 p.m. at the Malacañang, where the businesswoman underwent security check.

Napoles' discussions with PNoy

According to Lacierda, the camp of Napoles talked to Aquino for around 10 minutes, with Kapunan thanking the President for letting her client to voluntarily surrender to him.

Lacierda said there were no talks last night on the proposal to make Napoles as a state witness.

"The only thing that was discussed during that voluntary surrender was the preparations that were done to ensure her safety," said Lacierda.

He added that Philippine National Police chief Alan Purisima and Interior Secretary Mar Roxas were also instructed to ensure the safety of Napoles.

"The President has said that the presence of Mrs. Napoles adds to finding out the truth, yun po ang mahalaga. And the President views this matter very seriously and made sure that she's turned over to the courts," said Lacierda.