Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
‘Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS,

Second Regular Session

COMMITTEE REPORT NO. 1693

Submitted by the Committee on Justice and the Committee on Appropriations on
N

5714

Re: House BillNo

Recommending its approval in substitution of House Bill Nos. 15, 608, 629 and
1979

Sponsors: Representatives Niel C. Tupas, Jr., Joseph Emilio A. Abaya, Roilo
§. Golez, Juan Edgardo M. Angara, Simeon A. Datumanong, Rufus
B, Rodriguez and Maximo B. Rodriguez

Mr. Speaker:

The Committee on Justice and the Committee on Appropriations, to which
were referred House Bill No. 15, introduced by Representative Roilo S. Golez,
entitled:

“AN ACT
AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 6981 OTHERWISE KNOWN AS.
THE “WITNESS PROTECTION, SECURITY AND BENEFIT ACT”,
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES”

House Bill No. 608, introduced by Representative Juan Edgardo M. Angara,
entitled

“AN ACT
AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 6981 OTHERWISE KNOWN AS
THE “WITNESS PROTECTION, SECURITY AND BENEFIT ACT”

House Bill No. 629, introduced by Representative Simeon A. Datumanong,
entitled:


“AN ACT
AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 6981 OTHERWISE KNOWN AS
THE “WITNESS PROTECTION, SECURITY AND BENEFIT ACT",

AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES”

and House Bill No. 1979, introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez.
entitled:

“AN ACT
AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 6981 OTHERWISE KNOWN AS
THE “WITNESS PROTECTION, SECURITY AND BENEFIT ACT”

have igered the same and recommend that the attached House Bill No
SPIT cried:

“AN ACT
STRENGTHENING THE WITNESS PROTECTION, SECURITY
AND BENEFIT PROGRAM, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 6981 OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE
“WITNESS PROTECTION, SECURITY AND BENEFIT ACT” AND
PROVIDING ADDITIONAL FUNDS THEREFOR”

be approved in substitution of House Bill Nos. 15, 608, 629 and 1979 with
Representatives Roilo Golez, Juan Edgardo M. Angara, Simeon A. Datumanong,
Rufus B. Rodriguez, Maximo B. Rodriguez, Niel C. Tupas, Jr, Joseph Emilo A.
Abaya, Janette L. Garin, Mark A. Villar, Rachel Del Mar, Emi G. Calixto-Rubiano.
Linabelie Ruth Villarica, Ma. Amelita Calimbas-Villarosa, Sherwin N, Tugna
Bernadette R. Herrera Dy, Jose Carlos L. Cari, Roy M. Loyola and Ma. Evita R.
Arago as authors thereof,

Respectfully submitted,

. fp
Mm 1EL Kis IR
Chairman Cc
Committee on Justice

The Honorable Speaker
House of Representatives
Quezon Ciiy


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS.
Second Regular Session
5714

flouse Bill

io.

Introduced by: Representatives Roilo S$. Golez, Juan Fagardo “Sonny” M Angara,
Simeon A. Datumanony, Rufus 8. Rodriguer. Maximo B. Rodrigue, Jr. Niel C ‘upas,
J, Joseph Emilio A, Abaya, Janetty L. Garin, Mark A. Villar, Rachel del Man Ea ce
Calixto-Rubiano, Linabelle Ruth Villacca, Ma. Amelila Calinibas-Villarcea, Shern in %
Tugna, Bernadette R. Herrers-Dy, Jose Carlos L. Cari, Roy M, Loyola and Ma, Evita R
Arago

AN ACT
STRENGTHENING THE WITNESS PROTECTION, SECURITY AND
BENEFIT PROGRAM, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT
NO. 6981 OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE “WITNESS PROTECTION,
SECURITY AND BENEFIT ACT” AND PROVIDING ADDITIONAL FUNDS.
THEREFOR

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatices of the Plutippures in
Congress assemtbled:

SECTION 1. Sections 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 of Republic Act Ne. 3981,
otherwise known as the “Witness Protection, Security and Benwiit Act’ are
hereby amended to read as follows

“SEC. 3. Admission into the Program - Any person who has
witnessed or has knowledge or information on the commission of a
crime and has testiticd or is testity ing or about to lestity before anv
jedicial or quasi-judicial body, or before any investigating
authority, may be admitted into the Program: Provided, That

a) the off
used is
Code, o

ense fin] FOR which {his] THE testimony will be
rave felony as defined under the Revised Penal
fs equivalent under special laws;

>) this] THE testimony can ve substantially corroborated in
its material points;


ce) the] THE WIINFSS or any member of fhis] THE
WITNESS’ family within the second [civil] degree of
consanguinity or affinity is subjected to threats to [his]
life or bediiy injury or there is a likelihood that [he] THE
WITNESS will be kilivd. forced, intimidated, harassed or
corrupted SO AS to BF [prevent] PREVENTED [him]
from lesutving, or to iestily talsely, or evasively, because
or on account of {his] FHT testimony GIVEN: and

4) he] THE WITNESS is not a law enforcement oificer, feven
if he would be} UNLESS #HE TESTIMONY 10 BE GIVEN
WILL. BE [testifying] against ]the] other Jaw enforcement
officers, [In such a case, only the imunediate members of his
family may avail themselves of the protection provided for
under this Act

if the Department, after examination of said applicant and
other relevant facts, is convinced that the requirements of this Act
and its implementing rules and regulations have been complied
with, it shall admit said applicant to the Program, require said
Witness to execute a sworn statement detailing his knowledge or
information on the commission of the crime, and thereatter issue
the proper certification. For purposes of this Act, any such person
admitted to the Program shall be known as the Witness.”

“SEC. 4. Witness in Legislative Investigation, - In case of
legislative investigations in aid of legislation, fa witness] THF.
SENATE OF THE PHILIPPINES OR THE HOUSF OF
REPRESENTATIVES, AS THE CASE MAY BE, MAY PROVIDE
FOR A SEPARATE WITNESS PROTECTION, SECUREFY AND
BENEFIT PROGRAM” FOR [TS RESOURCE PERSONS AND/OR
WIINESSES, THE WITNESS AND/OR RESOURCE PER
[with his express consent] may by admitted into the Program upon
THE WRITTEN APPLICATION AND the recommendation of the
legislative committee where [his| THF testimony is needed when in
its judgment there is a pressing necessity [therefor] FOR THE
WITNESS’ TESTIMONY OR THE PRODUCTION OF
DOCUMENTS OR FVIDENCE IN POSSESSION OR CUSTODY OF
THE WIINESS: Provided, That such recommendation is approved
by the President of the Senate or the Speaker of the House ot
Representatives, as the case may be.



6

THE SENATE. OF THE PHILIPPINES OR THE HOUSE OF
REPRESENTATIVES, AS THE CASE MAY BE, SIIALL HAVE
PRIMARY JURISDICTION IN THE ADMINISERATION AND
IMPLEMENTALION OF THE LEGISLATIVE WITNESS
PROTECTION, SFCLURITY ANID BENUTIT PROGRAM.
CONGRESS MAY REQUEST THF NECESSARY ASSISFANCE
ROM ANY DEPARTMENT. BUREAU, OFFICE OR ANY OTHER
EXECUIIVE AGENCY TO ASSIST IN THE IMPLEMENTATION
OF THE PROGRAM: PROVIDED. HOWEVER. THAY IN THE
EVENT THAT A CRIMINAL CASE HAS BEEN INST) UTED, FOR
PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION OR FILING OF A CASE IN,
COURT, IN RELATION TO THF SUBJECT OF THE LEGISLATIVE
INQUIRY, ANY WItNESS TO THE CRIMINAL © ASE COVERED
BY THE LEGISLATIVE WITNESS PROTECTION, SECURITY AND
BENEHIT PROGRAM SHALL BF TURNED OVER TO THE
WITNESS PROTECHON, SECURITY AND BENEFIT PROGRAM
ADMINISTERED BY THF DEPARTMENT Of JUSTICE:
PROVIDED, FURIMER, WAT ANY WITNESS TO A CRIMINAL
CASE WITO IS COVERFD BY THE PROGRAM ADMINISTERED
BY THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICF SHALL © INTINUE TO BE
COVERED AND LL REMAIN UNDFR SUCH PROGRAM
NOTWITHST ANDI ANY LEGISLATIVE INQUIRY THAT
MAY BE INITIALED THEREAFTER WHERE SUCH WITNESS
MAY BE CALLED UPON TO TESTIFY AS A RESOURCE PERSON.

ANY WITNESS COVERED BY THE LEGISLATIVE,
WITNESS PROTECTION, SECURITY AND BENEFTI PROGRAM
SHALI. ENJOY THE SAME RIGHTS AND BENFFITS, BEAR THE
SAME RESPONSIBILIITES AND SHALL BE SLBJECY TO THE
SAME CONDITIONS AS PROVIDED FOR IN THIS ACT

TO EPFECTIVELY CARRY OUT THIS PROVISION,
CONGRESS SHALL PROVIDE FUNDING FOR THE
IMPLEMENTATION OF ITS OWN WITNESS PROTECTION AND
BENEFIT PROGRAM AND PROMULGATE TIS OWN RULES
AND REGULATIONS.

“SEC. 5. Memorandum of Agreement (MOA} With the
Person to be Protected. ~ [Betore a person is provided] AS A PRE-
REQUISITE TO THE AVAILMENT OF THE protection under this
Act, fhe shall first execute] THE WITNESS. SHALL ENTER INTO a
memorandum of agreement WITH THE DEPARTMENT, which
shall set forth [his] CERTAIN responsibilities including


a} to testify before and provide information to all appropriate law
enforcement officials concerning, all appropriate proceedings in
connection with or arising rom the activities invol\ed in the
offense charges;

b) toavoid the comuussion of the crime;

¢J Io take all necessary precautions to avoid detection by others of
the facts concerning the protection provided [him under this
Act;

4) to comply with legal obligations and civil judgments against
Ehim] ONE'S PERSO!

©) to cooperate with respect to all reasonable requests of officers

and employees of the Government who are providing
protection under this Act; and

® to regularly inrorm the appropriate program official of [his]
current activities and address;

G) NOT TO COMMUNICATE WITH ANY ADVERSE PARTY OR
NEGOTIATE FOR OR ENTER INTO, AN AMICABLE
SFTELEMENT ON THE CIVIL OR CRIMINAL ASPECT OF
THF OFFENSE SUBJECT OF THF CASE OR INVESTIGATION;

Hy TO COMPLY WITH SUCH OTHER CONDITIONS AS THE
SECRETARY OF JUSTICE MAY DEKM PROPER 'O IMPOSE
FOR THE SUCCESSFUL ESTIGATION OR PROSFCULION
OF THE CASE OR 1O PRESERVE THE INTEGRITY OF THE
PROGRAM.”

“SEC. 6. Breach of the Memorandum of Agreement. -
Substantial breach of the memorandum of agreement shall be a
ground for the IMMEDIATE termination of the BENEFITS AND
protection provided under this Act. [: Provided, however, That
before terminating such protection,] [t]The Secretar of Justice shall
send notice to the person involved of the termination of the
BENFFITS AND protection provided him under this Act, stating
therein the reasons tor such termination.”


“SEC. 7. Confidentiality [of Proceedings}, - Alt [proceedings}
MATTERS — involving [application for] admission AND
COVERAGE [into] UNDFR the Program [and the action taken
thereon} shall be confidential in nature[.| AND {N]no information
or documents RELATIVE THERETO [given or submitted in
support thereof] shall be released except upon written order of the
Department or the proper court.

Any person who violates the confidentiality of said
Proceedings shall upon convichon be punished with imprisonment
of not less than [one (1) vear] FOUR YEARS but nol more than six
() years and deprivation of the right to hold a public office or
employment for @ pera of tive (5) years.

NO INIUNCHON OR TEMPORARY Ri STRAINING
ORDER SHALL BF (SSUED BY ANY COURT ED INING LHF
ADMISSION OF THE WITNESS IN THE PROGRAM BY IHF
DEPARTMENT.”

“SEC. 8. Rights and Benefits. - The witness shall have the
RIGHD TO SFCURITY AND PROTECIION AS WELI. AS THE
tollowing [rights and} benetits:

a) To have a secure housing facility until he has testified or
until the threat, intimidation or harassment disappears or
is reduced toa manageable or tolerable level. When the
circumstances warrant. the Witness shall be entitled to
relocation and/or change ot personal identity at the
expense of the Program. This right 10 A SECURE
HOUSING FACILITY AND RELOCATION may be
extended to any member of the tamily of the Witness
within the second [civil] degree of consanguinity

A CHANGE OF PERSON AL IDFNTITY MAY INCLUDE
A CHANGF IN PHYSIOLOGICAL APPEARANCE OR
CHANGE OF NAME. THE SECRETARY OF JUSTICE,
UPON APPLICATION OF THE WITNESS COVERED
UNDER THE PROGRAM AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH
THE RULES WHICEI THE DEPARTMENT SHALL
HEREAFYER PROMULGATE, MAY ORDFR A CHANGE
OF THE FIRST NAME, MIDDIL.E NAME AND/OR FAMILY
NAME OF THE WITNESS COVERED. WITHOUT NLED
OF A SEPARATE JUDICIAL ORDER OR



ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEEDINGS. PURSUANT TO
SUCH ORPER, THE SECRETARY OF JUSIICE MAY
DIRECY = AiL CONCERNED AGENCIFS OF THE
GOVERNMY.NT TO MAKE THE NECESSARY ENTRILS IN
THEIR RESPF CLIVE REGISTRIES IN SUCH A MANNER
THAT ENSURLS THE CONEFIDRNILALITY OF THE
PROCFEDINGS AND AVOID A DISCLOSURE OF LHE
IDENTITY OF THE WIENFSS.

by The Department shall, whenever practicable, assist the
Witness :n oblaining a means of livelihood, ‘Lhe Witness
relocate! pursuant to this Act shail be entitled to
financial assistance from the Program [for his support
and that of his family] in such amount and for such
duration as the Department shall determine.

©) inno case shall the Witness be removed from or demoted
in work because or on account of {his} ONE’S absences
due to [his] attendance before anv judicial or quasi-
judicial body or investigating authority, including
legislative investigations in aid of legislation, in going
thereto and in commg therefrom: Provided. That his
employer is notified through a certification issued by the
Department, within a period of thirty (30) days from the
date when the Witness last reported for work: Frocudvd.
further, That in the case ot prolonged transfer or
permanent relocation, the employer shall have the option
to remove the Witness from employment alter securing
clearance from the ‘Department upon the
recommendation of the Department of Labor and
Employment

Any Witness who failed to report for work because of
witness duty shall be paid BY ONE'S EMPLOYER the
equivalent salaries or wages corresponding to the
number of days of absence occasioned by [his] witness
duties unaer the Program. For purposes of this Act. any
fraction wf a day shall constitute a full dav salary or
wage. This provision shall be applicable to both
government and private employees.

4) To be provided with reasonable travelling expenses and
Subsistence allowance by the Program in such amount as

6


the Department may determine for his attendance in the
court, body or authority where his testimony is required,
as well as conferences and interviews with prosecutors or
investigating officers

ATTENTION, treatment, hospitalization and medicines
PARTICULARLY for any injury, for] illness OR ANY
OTHER MLDICAL CONDITION incurred or sutfered by
10 THE WUiNFSS OR BY THE SPOUSE AND MINOR OR
u DEPENDENT CHILDREN [because off WHILE ON

1
4

6 e) To be ovided with NFCESSARY free medical
7

8

°

2 witness G OR WHILE IN THE [TEMPORARY
3 SHELTER PROVIDED BY THE PROGRAM in any
1s {private or] public hospital, clinic, or at any such
13 institution at the expense of the Program.

16

7 “WITNESS DUTY SHALL INCLUDE ‘(HE
18 ATTENDANCE OF THE WITNESS IN THE COURT.
9 BODY OR AUTHORITY WHERF THE TESTIMONY IS

REQUIRED AS WELL AS CONFERENCES AND
INTERVIEWS WITH PROSFCUTORS, OR
INVESTIGATING OFFICERS. A WITNESS WHO IS
RELOCATFD TO AN ACCREDITED WITNESS.
2 PROTECTION SECURITY AND BENEFIT. PROGRAANS
Ss TEMPORARY SHELTER SHALI. BE CONSIDERED TO

26 BE UNDER WITNESS DUTY FOR THE DURA LION OF
7 STAY IN SAID TEMPORARY SHELTER,”

28

29 {) if a Witness is killed bocause of [his] participation in the
30 Program, fhis] THE WITNESS’ heirs shall be entitied toa
31 burial benefit of not fess than [en thousand pesos
32 (P10,000.00) from the Program exclusive ot any other
33 similar benefits [he] THE WITNESS may be entitled to
a under other existing laws.

36 8) [Un case of death or permanent incapacity, his] THE

37 WITNESS’ minor or dependent children shail be entitled

38 to free education, AND/OR EDUCATIONAL
39 ASSISTANCE, from primary to college level in any state (,
40 or private] school, college or university [as may be
a determined by the Department) as long as they shall be
2 qualitied thereto. THE EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS

43 HEREIN PROVIDED CAN BE AVAILFD BY THF


WITNESS’ MINOR OR DEPENDENT CHILDREN FOR

2 PRIMARY, SECONDARY AND TERTIARY EDUCATION,
3 BUT IN THE LATTER CASE, NOT TO EXCFED FIVE (3)
4 YEARS.”

° SEC. 2. Sections 10 and 12 of the same Act are hereby amended to read a=
7 follows:

8

9 “SEC. 10. [State Witness] ADMISSION OF OFFENDERS. -
Ww Any person who has participated in the commission of a crime and
u desires to be a witness for the [Slate] GOVERNMENT, can apply
2 and, if qualified as determined in this Act and by the Department,
13 shall be admitted into the Program whenever the following
“ circumstances are present:

ab

16 a) the offense in which [his] THE testimony will be used is a
" grave felony as defined under the Revised Penal Code or its
1“ equivalent under special law's;

o

2» b) there is absolute necessity for [his] THE testimony;

Th

2 ©) there is no other direct evidence for the proper

prosecution of the offense committed;

3 d) fhis[ THE testimony can be substantially corroborated on
26 its material ponts;

28 e) [he] THE PERSON does not appear to be most guilty; and
»

0 f) [he] THE PERSON has not at any time been convicted ot
3 any crime involving moral turpitude.

B ‘THE ADMISSION OF A PERSON TO THE PROGRAM IS
x DISTINCT AND SEPARATE FROM A DISCHARGE OF AN
35 ACCUSED FROM AN INFORMATION OR CRIMINAL
36 COMPLAINT BY THE COURT IN ORDER THAT SAID ACCUSED
37 MAY BR A STATE WITNESS PURSUANT TO SECTION 17 OF
8 RULE 119 OF THE REVISED RULES OF COURT.

39

40 An accused discharged from an information or criminal
41 complaint by the court in order that [he] THE ACCUSED may be a
a State Witness pursuant to [Sections 9 and 10] SECTION 17 of Rule

4 119 of the Revised Rules of Court may, upon [his] petition, be


admitted to the Program |i! he complies] UPON COMPLIANCE

2 with the other requirements of this Act.
4 Nothing in this Act shal) prevent the discharge of an accused
5 L so that he can be used] WHO QUALIBIED as [a] State Witness

6 under SECTION 17, Rule 119 of the Revised Rules of Court.”

8 “SEC. 12, Effect of Admision of a [State] Witness into the
8 Program. - The certification of admission into the Program by the
ww Department shall be given full faith and credit by the provincial or
u city prosecutor who is required not to include the Witness in the
1 criminal complaint or information, and if included therein, to
1s petition the court for [his] THE discharge PURSUANT [0 THIS ACT
M4 in order that [he] can be utilized as a [State] Witness FOR THE
is PROSECUTION. [The Court shall order the discharge and exclusion
6 of the said accused from the information.]

it

Is Admission into the program shall AUTOMATICALLY

rm entitle such [State] COVERED Witness to immunity from criminal

a prosecution for the offense or offenses in which [his] THF
u testimony will be given or used, and [all the rights and benetits

2 provided under Section 8 hereof} THE COURT SHALL ORDER

3 YHE DISCHARGE AND EXCLUSION OF THE SAID WITNESS

u FROM THE INFORMATION.”

2

26

2 SEC. 3. A new section (Section 12-A) shall be inserted between Sectios

28 and Section 13 of the same Act, which shall read as follows:

“SEC. 12-A. PERPETUATION OF TESTIMONY - A
WITNESS ONCE ADMITTED INTO THE PROGRAM SHALL
PERPETUATE THE TESTIMONY PURSUANT TO RULE 1 OF
THE REVISED RULES OF COURT.”

SLC. 4. Sections 13, M, 15, 16 and 17 of the same Act are hereby amended
to read as follows:

“SEC. 13. Failure or Refusal of the Witness to COOPERATE
or Testify. — [Any witness registered in the Program who fails or
refuses to testify or to continue to testify without just cause when

4 lawfully obliged to do so, shall be prosecuted for contempt. Ii he
2 teslities falsely or evasively, he shall be liable to prosecution for
43 perjury. If a State Witness fails or refuses to testify, or testifies


talsely or evasivel), or violates any condition accompanying such
immunity without just cause. as determined ina hearing by the
proper court, his immunity shall be removed and he shall be subject
to contempt or cr.minal prosecution. Moreover, ihe enjoyment ot
all rights and bene/its under this Act shall be deemed terminated }

[The Witness may, however, purge himself of the
contumacious acts by testifying ai any appropriate sage of the
proceedings]

A_ WITNESS COVEREL) UNDER THE PROGRAM WHO
UNJUSTLY FAILS Cut REFUSES [QO COOPERATF OR TESILEY IN
THE INVESTIGATION OR PROSECUTION OF A CASE OR WHO
GIVFS FALSE CK MISLEADING JLESTIMONY SIIAII. BE
CRIMINALLY PROSECUTED AND SHALL, UPON
CONVICTION, SUFFER WHE PENALTY OF IMPRISONMENT OF
NOM LESS THAN FOUR (4) YEARS BUT NOT FXCEEDING SIX 16)
YEARS. THE WITNESS SHALI. ALSO BE REQUIRED TO
RESTITUTE ALT. THE PROGRAM'S EXPENSFS RELATIVE TO HIS
COVERAGE WITHOUT PREJUDICE TO PROSECLITION FOR
CONTEMPT UNDIR OTHER EXISTING LAWS.

“SEC. 14. Compelled Testimony. - Any Witmess admitted
into the Program pursuant to Sections 3 and 10 of this Act <
teluse to testify or 2we evidence or produce books, iocuments,
records or writings necessary for the prosecution of the offense or
Oftenses for which [ne] ONE has been admitted into the Progrem
on the ground of ti: constitutional right against self incrimination.
{out he] SAID WILNESS shall enjov immunity trom criminal
prosecution and [casnot] SHALL NOT be subjected to am. penaity
or forfeiture for an mansaction, matter or thing concerning his
compelled testimons or books. documents. records and writings
produced.

Tn case of reiusal of said Witness to testity or give evider
or produce books, aacumvnts, records, or writings. on the ground
of the right against selt-incrimination, and the state prosecutor or
investigator believes tnat such evidenew is absolutely necessary for
@ successtul prosecution ot the offense or oftenses charged or under
investigation, he, wth the srier approval of the Department, shall
file a petition with the appropriate court for the issuance of an
order requiring said \Wimess to testif\, give evidence or produce



aw

Le

the books, documerts, records, and writings described, and the
court shall issue the proper order

The court, upon motion of the state prosecutor or
investigator, shall order the arrest and detention of the Witness in
any jail contiguous te the place of trial or investigation until such
fime that the Witness is willing to give such testimony or produce
such documentary evidence.

“SEC. 15. [Perjury or} Contempt - No Witness shall be
exempt from prosecution for [perjury or] contempt committed
while giving testinwny or producing evidence under compulsion
pursuant to this Acz. (The penalty next higher in degree shall oe
imposed in case o: conviction for perjury] ‘The procedare
prescribed under Rule: 71 ot the Rules of Court shall be followed
but the penalty to be imposed shall not be less than one (1) month
but not more than one (1) scar imprisonment.”

“SEC. 16. Credibility of Witness. - In all criminal cases, the
fact of the entillement of the Wimess to the protection and benetits
Provided for in this Act shall not be admissible in ev idence to
diminish or affect bis ¢ redibitity.”

“SEC. 17. Penalty for Hurassment of Witness. — Any person
who harasses a Witness [and thereby hinders, delays, prevents or
dissuades a Witmess} BY REASON OF THE SWORN STA LEMFN I
OR TFSHIMONY GIVEN BY THE LAITFR, OR WHO ATTEMPTS
TO TINDER, DELAY. PREVENT OR DISSUADE rE WIENFSS
from:

a) attending ur testifying before any judicial or quasi-judicial
body or investigatiny; authority;

5) reporting t a law enforcement officer or judge the
commission or possible conunission of an offense, of a vivlation of
conditions or probation, parole, or release pending judicial
proceedings;

¢} seeking the arrest of anuther person in connection with the
olfense;

d) causing a criminal prosecution, or a proceeding for the
revocation of a parole or probation: or


0
41

e) performing and enjoying the rights and benetits under
this Act for attempts <u du so], shall be fined not more than {Three
thousand pesos 123,000.00) TWENTY THOLISAND PFSOS
(P20,000) or suffer :niprisonment of not Jess than [six (e) months]
TWO (2) YEARS but uit more than [one (1) vear} FOUR id) YEARS.
i, or both, and he shall also sutier the penalty of perpetual
disqualification from holding public office in case oF a public
officer).

IN ADDITAN, THE PENALTY OF PERPETUAL
DISQUALIFICATION FROM HOLDING OFFICE SiLALI. BL
IMPOSED UPON Tait OFFENDER WHOIS A PUBLIC OFFICER.

SEC. 5. A new section (Section 17-A)} is hereby inserted in Republic
No. 6981 which shall read ts tollows

“SEC. 17-A. CONSTRUCTION OF PROVISIONS. - IN
CASE OF DOUBT, ANY PROVISION OF THIS ACT SHATI. BE
CONTRUED IN FAVOR OF TIE ADMISSION OF THE
WITNESS,”

SEC. 6. Appropriations. - The amount necessary te carry oul the provisions
of this Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

SEC. 7. Rules and Regulations. - Thy Department of fustice shall promulgace
the necessary rules and reguiations to impiement this Act.

SEC. 8. Separability Clause.- Ii any section or provision of this Act shall de
declared unconstitutional or invalid. such shall not inv alidate any other section
of this Act.

SEC. 9. Repealing Clause. - Ail laws. decrees, orders, rules, regulations
ordinances or parts thereof which are inconsistent with this Act are heresy
tepealed or modified accoré:ngh

SEC. 10. Effectioit Clause. - Yhis Act shall take ctfect fifteen (15) days upon
its complete publication in at least two (2) general newspapers of national

circulation,

Approved,


HON. JOSEPH EMILIO A. ABAY,

Republic af tie Wliinpines
ouse uf Representatives
Quesou Cite, Meter Mardle

jatips

oa fistice

rperson Tapas:

vied that the Comm
Li at the Rolande
‘ nue Bibl wy Honse BEN 408, 629
SERENG FHENING THE WITNTSS PROT CTION, SEC!
PROGRAM. AMENDING FOR TE PURPOSE
OTHERWISE KNOWN AS
BENEETE ACT

1 Appropriations ins its pre
4 fis), Sourh Wing Buildin

ape
ud 1074, tilled "AN MCT
REFY AND BENTETL
SPUBLIC ACT NO. 6881
TI, “WATNESS PROPECTION, SECURITY ASD
AND PROVIDING ADDITIONAL FUNDS THEREFOR".

JOSEPH EMILIO AGLINALDO [BY Y
}

i {
VY

2 Rep. Refie 8. Galee

x Vdyordo M.S
oa A. Datunianer:

B, Rode



Republic et the Fn
SE OF RENE

Quezat

ed ty SiGIHORABLE JUAN EDGARDO “SONNY” M. ANGARA

Introd:

egser anion fe5oUr[e

dl vy the Cong

read $o provige POU
agtgarenns ivi at 7

ay or prooary. ¥
pe due edt
net being

wo provid
ceed, "3¥

coats hike CP

due ta witness ally
ny creel

pe
fo dependants to =

exgucilly for the P
ules 2

seregeing, Ihe AP!

{ian EDGARDO “SONNY™ M. ANGARA

fsa. Proving oF SUrors


Ha.no, 808

Introduced ay Honorable JUAN EDGARDO "SONNY" M- ANGARA

AN ACT
S-ING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 688% OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE
WITNESS PROTECTION, SECURITY AND BENEFIT ACT"

ate aud Hone

sot the PRilips

_ “\yitness Protection, Security and

se of iegistat
THE SENATE of THE
=5, AS THE CASE MAY
nWITNESS PROTECTION,
BENEFIT PROGRAM" For THE RESOURCE PERSONS

PHILIPPINES Cit THE HOUSE OF REPRE!
FOR A SEPARA

gSeS. THE WITNESS ANO‘OR RESOURCE PERSON,

nt, may be aa aq tne Brogan

einer tastirnony is needed

ror: Provided. T

ate ar Ine Scasker

“7B OF THE PHILIPPIN oR, THE HOUSE OF
“raTives, AS THE CASE MAY RE, SHALL HAVE PRIMARY
_ agp THE ADMINISTRATION SD IMPLEMENTATION OF THE
PROGRAM. CONGRESS MAY REQUEST THE NECESSARY ASSISTANCE
FROM ANY DEPARTMENT, BUREAU, OFFICE OR ANY OTHER EXECUTIVE
ny TO ASSIST WITH THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROGRAM.

HOWEVER, THE PROGRAM gslALL BE IMPLEMENTED BY THE
SENATE OR THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES INDEPENDENT FROM
ANY CCNER DEPARTMENT. BUREAU. OFFICE OR ANY OTHER
Ive AGENCY WHEN IT 15 APPAR + SHAT THE INVESTIGATION



WIGHT BE PREUDIGED ANDIOR WHEN THE SAFETY OF THE WITNESS
JPARMIZED ESPECIALLY WHEN THE PUBLIC OFFICIALS

MIGHT SE
ARE INVOLVE.

CONGRESS «MAY pROMULGATE ITS OWN RULES AND
REGULATIONS FOR THE IMPL EMENTATION OF THIS PROVISION:

res ta ran as Fallows

nna {9} of RES

Binits aod L © following rights

. free 7 2 agnration aid

at ge of witness duty OR
7 nospétal, clits, oF SUR

WHILE IN THE SAFEHOUSE (* any 2: <

ree of the P

aig) THE WITNESS’ minor oF

ep from pumery tp colleg?

gay jas may pe de

PERPETUATION OF TESTIMONY. ONGE ADMITTED

SROGRAM, A WITNESS way PERPETUATE HIS TESTIMONY

PURSUANT TO RULE 134 OF THE REVISED RULES OF COURT.”

ry rules and

carartmaent of lustice S05"

s uncorstl

Seton of pan Pate

2 art eubsi

Halians, orc

ny rapcrisd oF

SEC. 8. Ths Act shail take ef La days epen us comet

aatianal 15 cireuay

in atigast pve 12)



Flouse of Representatres °
» Metre Manila

it Congress
dae Session

Introduced by the Mengrable Simeon A. Datumancns

Explanatory Note :

cessful prosecution of criminal off

pinon knowledge that the 5
an, foe willingness of witnesses to inf y cooperate with the author

Awho invest gate and prosecute ceminal otfonses. Many cases were lost because &
ire of prospective witnesses <0 involve themselves in criminal act
‘oy their lives and lirmbs. It 3s therefore imperative for the State to
a prosnuctive witnesses TO help the authorities prosecute criminal offenses

nm the necessary asstetery ce et

natural tel

4 Lanly for theit safety but aise ‘etr

by provid
weltare.

end certain pros isnt of Republic Act 6981, others ise knowl
Bon, Security anu Renetit Act fo forther protect the tights and
sg whose life and tim are put in peril as he/she acts spon
id righis and benefits whic J to

tment and hospitalization Ine
ree education iF they

beneiits ¢
bis her sociat dintes. Aniong the exp
un to burn are ire medical trea!
coer or cependent children shail aise be entitled bof

tends

tare
ace of death. ihe

chat those arnendments will go 2 lens ©
Jae éher family, and farther sth

passage of this Pill is earnestly SeUST

sn ‘A, DAT SMANONG

| Magaindanae

tation believes
of the witness 4
oni of gaskice. In view thereet

romote 4
imimistrs:

BD

2 Distric



Repudlic of Hie Piakippines
House of Representatrves
Queron (its. Metre Manila

Fifteentii Congress

irst Regular Sesstort

Introduced by the Honorable Simean A Datumanong,

AN ACT
AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 6981, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE
“WITNESS PROTECTION, SECURITY AND BENHFIT ACT”, AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES

ce nf Representatives of the Pi

Be od by the Searate anid fee

Congress 65

3, Section & varavzaphs () and {g) of Republic Act Nov

SECTION

Hesl, kapwn as the Witness protector, Security and Benefit Wet” ts

shy amended to read as Lollows:

_yhe Witness shall hace the Folline

"sic.8. Rig

rencits:

cights:

“ey To be provided with NEEDED free medical treatment.

siization and medicines PARTICULARLY for any injas®, [er] sBress

OR ANY OTHER MEDICAL CONDITION incurred or sofiered by


[because al) WHILE ON witness duty OR WHILE IN THE

SAEPHOUSE in any priv fale tM

ic hospital, clinie, or at any sash

sat the expense of Y

“WITNESS DUTY SHALL INCLUDE THE ATTENDANCE OF
THE WITNESS IN THE COURT, BODY OR AUTHORITY WHERE
HIS/HER TESTIMONY 1§ REQUIRED AS WEIL AS CONFERENCES
AND INTERVIEWS WITH] PROSECUTORS OR INVESTIGATING
OFFICERS. 4 WITNESS WHO IS RELOCATED TO AN ACCREDITED
WITNESS PROTECTION SECURITY AND BENELIT PROGRAM
AWPSB?P) GAFEMOUSE/TEMPOR ARY SHELTER SHALL BE
SS DUTY.

CONSTDERED TO BEUNDER wit

XXX

sp case of death or permanent incapacity, his} THE WS TNESS’

munot dependent children shai be entitled to free education. ory

siaiel, or private] school. college oF

primary 10 college Tey el in avy

[as may be det by the Departmen, Jas Jong @s shey
wre qualified thereto. “THE FDUCATIONAL BENLEIT HEREIN
PROVIDED CAN BE AVAILED BY ‘THE WITNESS’ MINOR OR

3G HIS/HER ADMISSION VO THE

DEPENDENT CHILDREN: DUR
PROGRAM AND UP TO ONE (7) YEAR AFTER THE TERMINATION

OF HISAR WITNESS DUT

SEC. 2. A new section shaji bu insertess petween Section 12 and Sechon

wet, which shall read as Alows:

a) “SEC. q2A. TERPE TUATION OF TESPIMONY. ~ A

WITNESS ONCE At MATTED INFO THE PROGRAM
SHALL PERPETUATE TAIS/HER TFSTIMONY
PURSUANT yo RULE 134 OF THE RLVISED RULES OF
COURT.”

ice shall promulgate the necessary rules

SEC. 3. The Department oF

segulssions te imaplement this Act.

SEC. 4. Jt any section ur provision: of this Act shall be doctared

validate any other section af this Act.

valid, such sb

‘Aijdaws, decrees. orders, THTes regulations, ordinances oF Parts



het ave hereby repeated or moditind

A this

ancgnsistent wi!

thereo! ws
according’Y.

SEC. 6.

This Act shall take errect fifteen (15) days upon its publication in

at least “wo (2) general newspapers of national cirewlation,

Aporoved,


FIFTEENTH CONGRESS i)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
REGL'_4% SESSION y

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez and
Representative Maximo B. Rodriguez, Jr.

19793

House Bill No.,

EXPLANATORY NOTE

the active roles of the Senate and the House of Representatives

view ©:

in tha investigation of malfeasance. misfeasance OF nonteasance of govemiment

officia's which ere detrimental to the asts of the Filipino peopie, there Is 4

@ Republic Act No

enwise known as the “Witness

sutity and Benefit Act”

It is necessary that the Senate and the House of Representatives "ave

their own separate Witness Protector ity, and Senefit Program for the

argon and/or witness appearing afore any of its committees.

= view of the foregoing. app’ova. 9° 1s bill is eamestly sought

RUFUS. ROOK SUEZ

OMe

MAXIMO B, RODRIGUEZ, JR.


FIFTEENTH CONGRESS )
REPUBLIC THE PHILIPPINES d
SESSION +

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez and
Representative Maximo B. Rodriguez, Jr.

373

House Bill No._

AN ACT
AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 6984. OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE
SWITNESS PROTECTION, SECURITY AND BENEFIT ACT”.

ine Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in
assembied

aw

TION 1. Section 4 of Repuniic Act No. 5951 is hereoy amended to

Section 4. in Legislative
sigation ~ in case of lecisiative invastigatons
of egistation. [ Hz SENATE OF

PHILIPPINES — HOUSE OF

express consent,
rogram upon the
slative committee
needed when in its
necessity therefore:
dation is approved
Speaker of

be admitted ints *

where his/her testimo:
ment there is a press’

NES OR
AS THE
PRIMARY
STRATION AND
PROGRAM.


sry wewe|du 0} SU!
ng jo 1eenpeded atl "y “OES

Avesseceu eu) ayebinwoid |e

LurCo 3O SING CSSIARY BHL
Sand ANOWILSSL
SNLIM ¥ WvHoOs:
NO — ANO'NILL
wah 285
eau EUS USIG

peyljend aney TEU

1 Aq pauluLersp 3

ocyos ayenud 5

2 Kigwupd woa) “UO

jieus USJpIu> qWeP
3HL [siu_ ‘Au98C!

io ese ui (8)

se Bua] se [Lew
se] Aysueaiun Jc €

aad}

xXx

ayy jo esuedxe a.
Nendsoy ougrd sc &

BHL NI STK p sseuyim jo 38h
iy Aq parsyns 26 peunauy sseuil! 30

Aue Jo) Sauipe Le voRRZyetdsoy "IW
jeoIpeut trem papiacid aq OL (2)

xxx

s1yBu Burney uy eney |IEYS $83° — sqeueg pue siyBL

cy pepualue Agerey ae ay SES SU] JO (8) pue (e) g uoNses ‘Z ‘OSS

LNOIStAGEd SIKL 4O NOLLVLNSW2 1d!
AHL ¥Or SNOL YT GNy SSINe NVC
SLL 4LYOINWONE AYE SS3YONOD

SH. WH
AONZOY 3A.
‘AWANGG “EN
ANSON3d)
ZHL YO
Be TWHS


hereof is held invalid or
wor the provision not otherwise

SEC. §. if any provision or
uncons=iutcra. the remainder of the
ecigctes she remain valid and subsisting

decrees. rules, regulations,

SEC. 6. Ail laws, executive orders.
tent with the provision of this

orginansss cr Oars thereof which are incons:
cr are ness; repealed or modified according'y

Approved


FACT SHEET

House Bill Nos. 15, 608, 629. 1979

Approved by the Committee

tions — November 16, 2071;

AN ACT STRENGTHENING THE WITNESS PROTECTION,
SECURITY AND BENEFIT PROGRAM, AMENDING FOR THE
PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 6981 OTHERWISE KNOWN AS
THE “WITNESS PROTECTION. SECURITY AND BENEFIT ACT”
AND PROVIDING ADDITIONAL FUNDS THEREFOR”

u sy: REPS. ROILO GOLEZ. JUAN EDGARDO M. ANGARA, SIMEON A.

DATUMANONG, RUFUS B. RODRIGUEZ and MAXIMO RODRIGUEZ, JR.
eainmitive Refanal, COMMITTEE ON JUSTICE

srgor’ REP. NEIL C. TUPAS, JR.

OBJECTIVE:

«To encourage witnesses to enter
citer protection and ©

witness Protection Progra’

wi engance of the witness +
inere ones 1S 1 as cerferences and intery

or investigating of

mess who IS
cam (WPSBP: 5

medica: neatment poscta zation and medicines whiie cn vi

afanouse

ge tevel im any 5
for or dependent children du
car atten tl “mination of the

university to th
the Program and v

ves of witresses in ¢

ie cn erneiuation

ions and Discovery. “A depos:
fe of a judicial proceed!

in response to W

cross: examination

ed Rules of
the Rules of Co
fa witness
aring upon ofa.
opportur’
G.R No 1427



THE MEETING O1

THE COMMITEE ON JUSTICH HELD Os.

TUSDAY, G80 AM

CONE

R

NEL ROOMS 8 ae

HOUSE Ol REPRUSENTAJIVES.

QLEZON CL.Y

Mr. Fmmanuel l. Dooc

Romtuie S, Raligod

53. Mr. P's Batino

4, PU Chiel Inspector Fmely . Urinidant

.P2LT. Divivne Enchon Espejo

OF!

Exerative Director, Anti-
Money Launderin Councit
(AMLC)

Insurance Commission

Stale Prosecuter,
Department of
DOP Witness Protection
Security and Bonelits
Program (WPSBP)

br. Stale Counse}, DOL

Lindlersecretary, Peparim
of National Defense i! 2S

Philippine Nation
(PNP)

Police

Judge Advocate Gen
Services AGS:
Forces of the I
(AEP)

\
ippines

aed

TAGS, ATF

Legal, UNP

Executive Director, K.:ra
Bankers’ Associative
Philippines (RBA?



1. TO ORDER/RON. CALL.

vice Chairman Rodoi
called se meeting to order at 0
dispe: ;

appre

presided over the meeti
AML. Rep. Datumanong then

the calling of the roli. Hearing, ne objection, the Presiding, Officer
d the sane,

ii PRESIDING OFFICER'S PRELIMINARY REMARKS:

Farias noted there were three (3) main items in the Agenda |

consid

sand Benefit Act

m Act of 2001

ili

GJOERATION OF TLE FOLEOWIN

+ MEASURES

AMEN SS PROLSCTION. SFELRTLY AND BES
8.629 AND 1979 BY Ry
<ODRIGUEZ

vy ACT Bid NUS.
SOLEZ, ANGARA, DATUM? ANONG,

‘ cures hind aiverd
gy then moved for the &
y seconded. Tearing,

1. Rufus Rodrigues had te
which inchaded the st
a consolidated or subs
present adminis
e with the internation 1:
6 have similar jaws ss bich
overninent ollicials and private

gives protection as well as prov ide rewards system for the whss

Jie said thal a ‘Techoica, We
«had conducted six mee’
nas been crafted and this b
Jaang, matuwid”. This
pun drive. He added
va 0st



roceedings is assured. he emphasized. Other matiers like
witness proto, 2
covered. A moni 2 1 (MOA) with the DOT te:
jon Lo whistleglowers ha~ been considered, he added

the need for corroiyeratives

wmaneng, then 4 fer the approval oof tis
dated bill ow whistiebiowers. Shis was duly seconde:
no more discussions, nor amend: :
approved che motion.

Teas

nents nar any wbjection, the Presiding, Otice

UP QRORIST LINANCING SUTRRLE
AND IL

SION AC LOF MU HB NOS
BY REPS. ANTONIN. AND NOGRALLS

ype invited resource persens x: comments and inpuls as [allow

ssioner Emmanuel Dave et the Tasurance Coimissic
Tits altended a mveling in Macau wherein ning (9) coualries
ev laundering efforts

of the AnticMones Lasmdering, Connell saist tne
c cuinauization of poneytaundering mac

Lune

remail
Congre:
the pr

5 Olt he absence of Uhe invited slakehet "5
and the PNP eis sent lew

vel:

presen!

izations.

samino of the AMT recommendations

By enacting a law to eds

financing, the Phil
eujuirements;

: sitet sch activity:
i bin on confiscation oF ihe
serroris! funds; and
3 e must a rer of suspected terrorist i to praper
orities.
lie further warned that th nes must be able to pass tis Sure
into a er than December 21. 2011 oy onr comntry wilt be tagged 9 the

same igague as North Korea and tre


gientiai advisers/ alter-egos have
« DOT 36 represented et
ng, of full support. Rep

as noted that close pr
sill. He a

there is In

lion. Far

lukew.
state ©

obser « osidgent may be busy nizing his cabinel as of this time.
7 e wanted to deter ver consideration of Ihe ineesure
to give ¥ the bill.

4a Fochnical Workign Grou:

E nanong, mee ty
(TWG: io be comprised of the authors a:
of two woeks for the TW

+ the two bilis and consich
ad xefinemen's. of dis TWG
the DOJ, DND. AFP. PXT, AMLC, Anti-Terrorism ©
eign Aiairs, READ, Baokers Association of the Phitippines
per of Thrill Bankers.

ho objection, the motion was approved.

Ww OURNMENT

ved fo adiourn the mee!
W534 AM

“aan TUPAS, JR,

aairmal