3 anti-Binay witnesses placed under gov’t protection

MANILA, Philippines – Witnesses who testified against Vice President Jejomar Binay in the alleged overpriced Makati City Hall Building II were placed under the Witness Protection Program (WPP), Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said Friday.

Former Makati Vice Mayor Ernesto Mercado and lawyer Renato Bondal. INQUIRER PHOTOS

De Lima said former Makati Vice Mayor Ernesto Mercado, lawyer Renato Bondal and Nicholas Enciso VI, chairman of Barangay (village) Olympia have been given full coverage under the WPP.

While under the WPP, the three will be provided government security.

“The three have been admitted to WPP upon recommendation of the Senate,” De Lima told reporters.

“In various legislative inquiries, witnesses receive full coverage if the Senate thinks that their testimony would be very material in their investigation,” she added.

Mercado, who admitted receiving kickbacks from the building’s construction, said during a Senate hearing that Vice President Jejomar Binay, during his stint as Makati mayor, received a 13 percent kickback from every contract entered into by the city government.

For the construction of Makati City Hall Building II, Mercado alleged that Binay got P52 million.

He said he also delivered funds to Binay’s wife, Dr. Elenita Binay, and to then Councilor and now Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay.

De Lima said the witnesses may also seek immunity before the Office of the Ombudsman if a counter-case would be filed against them.

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