Palace: Security reasons behind ‘special treatment’ for Janet Lim-Napoles

Malacañang on Saturday insisted that security reasons are behind what its critics branded as "special treatment" for jailed trader Janet Napoles, the suspected brains behind a P10-billion pork barrel scam.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte reiterated that Napoles is a “key player” in the scam and faces a threat to her life.

“Malinaw sa panig ng pamahalaan kung ano ang kailangan gawin. Malinaw sa atin itong tao na ito is a key player from all accounts in this PDAF scam,” Valte said on government-run dzRB radio.

Napoles, the central figure in the pork barrel scam, is scheduled to be transferred to a facility in Sta. Rosa, Laguna from the Makati City Jail on Saturday.

On Wednesday night, Napoles surrendered to President Benigno Aquino III in Malacañang, triggering criticism from several groups about so-called special treatment for her.

Valte brushed aside those criticisms Saturday, saying: “Kasama yan sa trabaho natin ang nakatanggap ng ganitong pagbatikos.”

She also said in transferring Napoles to Laguna, the government is merely following the order of the Makati City court.

The Makati court initially ordered Napoles transferred from Philippine National Police headquarters in Camp Crame - where she was brought after her surrender - to the Makati City Jail.

On Friday, the court ordered her transferred to Laguna.

“Tulad ng pagsunod natin sa paunang commitment order ng RTC, sinusunod lang natin ang atas ng korte at kailangan siguraduhin ang she is under guard. Yan ang naging instruction ng Pangulong Aquino,” Valte said.

Valte also defended Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II from criticisms that he and PNP chief Director General Alan Purisima had to personally supervise preparations for Napoles’ transfer.

“Ano lang, kasi, personal na binigyan ng utos ng pangulo … Sinisigurado din ng dalawang officials they are carrying out the president’s instructions,” she said.

She also said this was why Roxas was present at the scene of the explosion at Serendra in Taguig City; the explosion in Cagayan de Oro City last July; and a predawn explosion in San Juan City. - VVP, GMA News