MANILA – Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Wednesday said the Discaya couple and three former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials have been placed under protected witness status pending evaluation on whether they may qualify as state witnesses.

Remulla identified them as Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya and his wife, Cezarah “Sarah” Discaya, along with former DPWH officials Henry Alcantara, Brice Ericson Hernandez, and Jaypee Mendoza.

“They will be given protection” until the evaluation process is complete, Remulla told reporters. He added that their families are also entitled to government protection while their applications to become full-fledged state witnesses are under review.

“Pero pagiging (But becoming a) state witness is another matter, it is something we need to review. Mahaba pa ito (We have a long way to go), we’re just at the tip of the iceberg,” he said.

The justice chief explained that 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 (to our country). Maraming parameters yan (It has many parameters). (Being) not the most guilty is one of them,” he said.

Remulla noted that initial talks with Hernandez and Alcantara have yielded new names potentially liable in the controversy. He also welcomed the decision of the Discaya couple, Alcantara, and Hernandez to surrender some of their assets, including a number of luxury vehicles. (PNA)