CONVERSATIONS: Napoles as state witness?

MANILA, Philippines – Was it appropriate for President Benigno S. Aquino III to receive businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles in Malacañang Palace? And will the government make her a state witness?

These are the questions that netizens debated after Napoles surrendered to the President on Wednesday, August 28.

Many were dismayed with the manner Napoles surrendered, accusing the Aquino government of giving her “special treatment” by guaranteeing her security. 

Napoles’ presidential surrender was the first in 65 years. Not only was she allowed to enter the Palace, Aquino himself led the team that brought her to Camp Crame that same night.

Netizens also scoffed at the idea of Napoles as a potential state witness, following the statement of Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas that Napoles is an “important witness.” 

Roxas clarified that there were no such discussions, saying that all Napoles expressed to Aquino was that she was worried for her life. 

Rappler held an online conversation over Twitter and asked how people felt about the sudden turn of events.