By Benjamin Pulta | Philippine News Agency
Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo on Thursday joined the growing roster of protected witnesses being evaluated by the Department of Justice (DOJ) for possible state witness status.
“It’s still for evaluation, but [Bernardo is] considered a protected witness,” DOJ Sec. Jesus Crispin Remulla told reporters in an interview after meeting with Bernardo.
Bernardo, during a Senate testimony, has named three incumbent and former senators receiving kickbacks from him in connection with anomalous flood control projects.
Remulla clarified that a protected witness is still under evaluation on whether he or she qualifies as a state witness, which entails immunity from prosecution.
“Dalawang klaseng testigo ‘yan. Witnesses who need protection is one of them. They applied to the WPP (Witness Protection Program), but for them to be state witnesses is another matter,” he said.
Remulla also said it is the DOJ’s duty to protect witnesses “because witnesses who will testify in a criminal prosecution for the government against those who violated the law need protection.”
“And they asked us for help, they wrote us letters. At least we can offer physical protection,” he added.
Remulla said Bernardo’s lawyers will be working with the National Bureau of Investigation in crafting a complaint if warranted by evidence.
Meanwhile, Remulla said they continue to receive numerous tips on the whereabouts of Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, another lawmaker linked to anomalous flood control projects.
Co was reportedly last seen in Spain after seeking medical treatment in the United States.
“Yes, we’re trying to track him and marami nang tumutulong na tao. There was a boarding pass… flight details sent to us. But we have to validate,” Remulla said.
Co has been the subject of an immigration lookout bulletin order, Remulla also said.
