DOJ grants witness protection for Binay accusers

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice placed accusers of Vice President Jejomar Binay and his son, Makati City Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay, under the witness protection program.

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said in a state report Friday that the request of former Makati City Vice Mayor Ernesto Mercado, lawyer Renato Bondal and Nicolas Enciso IV to be protected by the government has been granted.

The three are witnesses at the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee investigation on an allegedly overpriced Makati City Hall II parking building construction project, worth P2.3 billion, accusing the elder Binay of pocketing part of the funds and rigging the bidding.

They said Binay, former mayor of Makati City, received 13 percent in kickbacks from each project deal under his watch.

Jonvic Remulla, Binay's spokesperson, said that Binay respects the move of the three accusers, who also filed a plunder case against him, to be placed under the witness protection program.

The vice president repeatedly denied the accusations, insisting that that attacks were launched in connection with his plans to run for president in 2016. - with reports Edu Punay