Manila, Sept. 24 -- Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Wednesday said the Discaya couple and three former Department of Public Work and Highways 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...