Whistle-blower Benhur Luy now provisionally part of WPP, says De Lima

Benhur Luy. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Benhur Luy, who spilled the beans on the P10-billion pork barrel scam, is already under provisional coverage of the government’s witness protection program (WPP), Justice Secretary Leila De Lima said in a text message late Thursday.

Earlier Thursday De Lima said the whistle-blower had agreed to be included in the WPP.

The Department of Justice chief also confirmed that Luy personally met with WPP officers on Thursday.

A witness provisionally accepted will stay under WPP for several months, during which WPP officers will determine if the witness is entitled to a full coverage under the program.

Luy’s counsel, Levito Baligod, had earlier told reporters his client would appear before the DOJ WPP on Friday for purposes of his application for coverage.

However, WPP insiders said the meeting was rescheduled and was intentionally kept out of the media’s knowledge.