MANILA, Philippines—Senator Loren Legarda criticized as “overkill” the security measures provided former police senior superintendent Cezar Mancao II, a prime suspect in the celebrated twin killings of publicist Salvador “Bubby” Dacer and his driver Emmanuel Corbito who is expected to turn state witness by pointing at the mastermind.

“Overkill. I hope they accord the same protection to victims of torture and other human rights violations,” Legarda told reporters in Filipino on Thursday.

“Maliwanag na ang hustisya sa ating bansa ay hindi patas, na ang pulitika ang umiiral at ginagamit ang mga bagay na ito para manlait at manira ng mga taga opposition (It is clear that justice is not fair in our country, that politics continue to prevail and used for issues to undermine the opposition),” she said.

Nonetheless, Legarda was confident that her colleagues in the opposition—deposed President Joseph Estrada and Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, who are being implicated in the killings would able to defend themselves.

“I’m not worried (for them). They are grown-up men. They can take care of themselves,” she said.

Senate President Juan Ponce-Enrile said he also believes that Mancao’s testimony would not be enough to pin down Lacson. He said there should be another witness who can corroborate Mancao’s recollection in relation to the double murder.