Luigi lauds colleagues' support for his 'whistleblowers bill'

CEBU, Philippines – Cebu sixth district Rep. Gabriel Luis R. Quisumbing lauds the House Committee on Justice chaired by Rep. Niel Tupas for initiating deliberations on his "whistleblowers bill" in the 15th Congress.

"I am confident that this measure will be given priority and that the whistleblowers will be recognized as valuable partners in our government's fight against graft, corruption and abuses committed by officials and agents," Quisumbing said.

President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III, during his State of the Nation Address (SONA), specifically appealed to legislators to enact the proposed law to eradicate the prevalent culture of fear that has hounded the country's system.

Quisumbing has authored House Bill 2675, which seeks to set up a system of rewards and protection for whistleblowers and their families.

He explained the lack of a legal framework for rewards and security to whistle-blowers has resulted in their minimal protection from probable retaliation, trial by publicity, outright miscarriage of justice or summary execution. 

He said that whistleblowers, after going public with their knowledge on instances of graft and corruption, illegal acts and human rights abuses, find themselves confronted with retaliation, ostracism, trial by publicity, miscarriage of justice or summary execution.

"Potential whistleblowers are discouraged, demoralized and dissuaded because they anticipate nothing but hardships and threats to their life, liberty and property on account of their disclosure," Quisumbing said in a press statement furnished to The FREEMAN. (FREEMAN)