By Benjamin Pulta | Philippine News Agency
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Wednesday said the Discaya couple and three former Department of Public Work and Highways (DPWH) officials are considered “protected witnesses” under the law pending a determination by the government whether they would qualify as state witnesses.
In an interview with reporters on Wednesday, Remulla said Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya and his wife, Cezarah “Sarah” Discaya, along with former DPWH officials Henry Alcantara, Brice Ericson Hernandez, and Jaypee Mendoza “will be given protection” until the evaluation process is complete.
As protected witnesses, Remulla said even their families are entitled to government protection while their application to become full-fledged state witnesses is still being evaluated.
“Pero pagiging state witness is another matter, it is something we need to review. Mahaba pa ito, we’re just at the tip of the iceberg,” Remulla said.
As a matter of policy, he said not all applicants to the Witness Protection Program may be admitted.
“Only when we have to. Because you free them completely of criminal liability, then it has to be worth it sa ating bayan. Maraming parameters yan. (Being) not the most guilty is one of them,” Remulla said.
He said initial talks with Hernandez and Alcantara have yielded new names who potentially are similarly liable for their part in the controversy.
Remulla said he also welcomes the decision of the Discaya couple, Alcantara, and Hernandez to surrender some of their assets, including a number of luxury vehicles.
