House approves bill to strengthen witness protection program

CEBU, Philippines - To provide better protection and benefits for witnesses under Department of Justice (DOJ) witness protection program, the House of Representatives approved House Bill 5714 seeking amendments to Republic Act 6981.

Known as the “Witness Protection, Security and Benefit Act,” the new legislation seeks to ensure “speedy and fair disposition of justice” and to encourage witnesses to enter the witness protection program.

The authors of the bill are Representatives Roilo Golez, Juan Edgardo Angara, Simeon Datumanong, Rufus Rodriguez and Maximo Rodriguez Jr.

The bill provides not just free medical treatment, hospitalization and medicines while on witness duty or in the safe house but also provides witnesses’ minor or independent children free education from primary to college level in any state school, college or university.

Free education will be granted upon admission into the program up to one year after the termination of the witness duty. The termination of the witness duty is after he or she finishes his or her testimony in court.

In the present law, Section 8 of RA 6981 provides the rights and benefits of the witnesses to have a secure housing facility, entitled to a financial assistance from the program, provides reasonable traveling expenses and subsistence allowance and medical treatment.

Likewise, the witness’ minor or dependent children shall be entitled to free education in case of death or permanent incapacity of the witness.

“The present law should be amended to improve the conditions and procedures for providing protection and assistance to a witness in legislative investigations,” said Golez, congressman of 2nd District of Parañaque City.

Before witnesses can be under the protection program they will be assessed by the DOJ. The presence of threat is a basic requirement.

Datumanong of the 2nd District of Maguindanao said the amendment will help in prosecuting cases. He said because of security matters, many witnesses resist testifying in court or during investigation.

“It is therefore imperative for the State to encourage prospective witnesses to help the authorities prosecute criminal offenses by providing them the necessary assistance not only for their safety but also their welfare,” Datumanong said in a press release. — (FREEMAN)