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of tljf ^Prrrt1rp
TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
Senate Bill No. 1150
25 AUG-7 P6:10
RECEIVED By;
Introduced by Senator JOEL VILLANUEVA
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," APPROPRIATING 
FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The right to due process and a fair trial enshrined in the 1987 Constitution 
requires that the State ensure the effective administration of justice. This includes the 
protection of witnesses who are indispensable in the success of prosecuting 
administrative, criminal, or legislative cases. They are essential in finding the truth of 
a matter under investigation. Oftentimes, however, agreeing to be a witness comes 
at a tremendous cost for the witness. Their lives, property, reputation, and safety, as 
well as those of their family, become the subject of threats, intimidation, harassment, 
or physical violence. Thus, it is incumbent upon the State to step in to ensure their 
safety and welfare.
In 1991, Congress addressed these concerns by enacting Republic Act No. 6981, 
otherwise known as the " Witness Protection, Security and Benefit Act." The 
effectiveness of this law is evident in recent performance data: for Calendar Year 2023, 
the program recorded a 95.65% success rate in the prosecution of cases involving 
state witnesses.1 This remarkable rate underscores the law's vital role in upholding 
justice and the rule of law. However, this Act must be amended to further strengthen 
the protection provided to witnesses under the Program.
1 Congressional Policy and Budget Research Department. Department of Justice Agency Budget Notes for 
FY2025. Published in September 2024. Available at https://cpbrd.congress.gov.ph/wp- 
content/uploads/2024/09/ABN2024-27-DOJ-FY2025.pdf (Accessed on 3 July 2025)
1


This proposed measure seeks to amend Republic Act No. 6981 by extending 
witness protection to the early stages of investigation, even before a case is filed in 
court. This encourages potential witnesses to come forward and assist law 
enforcement in securing key testimonies to strengthen the prosecution of cases.
The bill also proposes to enhance benefits for witnesses and their families, 
including expanded educational aid for children and income replacement allowances 
in case of job loss or work disruption resulting from participation in the program. This 
benefit aims to encourage witnesses to speak out the truth in vital investigations and 
in the pursuit of justice without fear of being unable to provide for his or her family.
To ensure accountability, the bill imposes reimbursement of protection expenses 
on witnesses who unjustifiably refuse to testify after receiving program benefits.
Lastly, stiffer penalties are provided in cases of harassment of, or attempts to 
hinder, delay, prevent, or dissuade, the witness from complying with his or her duties 
under the Program.
By providing further benefits and strengthening the protections given to 
witnesses, the rule of law will be protected.
For these reasons, the passage of this measure is earnestly sought.
JOEL/yiLLANUEVA'


TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE 
Senate Bill No.
of tl)? Siftret’ir;
25 AUG-7 P6:11
RECEIVED BY:
Introduced by Senator JOEL VILLANUEVA
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," APPROPRIATING 
FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
1 
SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Enhanced Witness
2 
Protection Act"
3 
SEC. 2. Section 3 of Republic Act No. 6981, otherwise known as the "Witness
4 
Protection, Security and Benefit Act," is hereby amended to read as follows:
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"SEC. 3. Admission into the Program. - Any person who has witnessed
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or has knowledge or information on the commission of a crime and has
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testified or is testifying or about to testify before any judicial or quasi-judicial
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body, or before any investigating authority, may be admitted into the
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Program: Provided, That:
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a) The offense [Iff] FOR which [I=hs] THE testimony will be used is a
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grave felony as defined under the Revised Penal Code, or its equivalent
12 
under special laws;
13 
b) [Ws] THE testimony can be substantially corroborated in its material
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points;


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c) 
[he] THE WITNESS or any member of [his] THE WITNESS' family 
within the second civil degree of consanguinity or affinity is subjected 
to threats to life or bodily injury or there is a likelihood [he] THE 
WITNESS will be killed, forced, intimidated, harassed or corrupted 
[to prevent him] SO AS TO BE PREVENTED from testifying, or to 
testify falsely or evasively, because or on account of [his] THE 
testimony GIVEN; and
d) 
[he] THE WITNESS is not a law enforcement officer, [even if he 
would be testifying] UNLESS THE TESTIMONY TO BE GIVEN 
WILL BE against other law enforcement officer(s). [In such a case, 
onty-tho immediate members of his family may avail themselves of the
protection provided for under this Act.]
IF, UPON THE DETERMINATION OF LAW ENFORCERS, THERE 
IS A NECESSITY TO PROVIDE PROTECTION TO A POTENTIAL 
WITNESS DURING THE INITIAL STAGES OF INVESTIGATION, THE 
LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY MAY RECOMMEND TO THE 
DEPARTMENT THE TEMPORARY ADMISSION OF SUCH POTENTIAL 
WITNESS.
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 compiled with, it shall admit 
said applicant to the Program, require said witness to execute a sworn 
statement detailing [his] THE WITNESS' knowledge or information on the 
commission of the crime, and thereafter issue the proper certification. For 
purposes of this Act, any such person admitted to the Program shall be 
known as the Witness.
SEC. 3. Section 5 of Republic Act No. 6981 is hereby amended to read as follows:
SEC. 5. Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Person to be 
Protected. - Before a [person Is provided] WITNESS CAN AVAIL OF THE 
protection under this Act, he/SHE shall [first execute] ENTER INTO a 
memorandum of agreement WITH THE DEPARTMENT, which shall set 
forth his/HER SPECIFIC responsibilities including:


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a) 
To testify before and provide information to all appropriate law 
enforcement officials concerning all appropriate proceedings in 
connection with or arising from the activities involved in the offense 
charged;
b) 
To avoid the commission of a crime;
c) 
To take all necessary precautions to avoid detection by others of the 
facts concerning the protection provided under this Act;
d) 
To comply with legal obligations and civil judgments against him/HER;
e) 
To cooperate with respect to all reasonable requests of officers and 
employees of the Government who are providing protection under this 
Act; [an^]
f) 
To regularly inform the appropriate program official of his/HER current 
activities and address[r];
g) 
TO NOT COMMUNICATE WITH ANY ADVERSE PARTY, OR 
NEGOTIATE FOR OR ENTER INTO, AN AMICABLE SETTLEMENT 
ON THE CIVIL OR CRIMINAL ASPECT OF THE OFFENSE 
SUBJECT OF THE CASE OR INVESTIGATION; AND
h) 
TO COMPLY WITH SUCH OTHER CONDITIONS AS THE 
SECRETARY OF JUSTICE MAY DEEM PROPER TO IMPOSE FOR 
THE SUCCESSFUL INVESTIGATION OR PROSECUTION OF THE 
CASE OR TO PRESERVE THE INTEGRITY OF THE PROGRAM."
SEC. 4. Section 6 of Republic Act No. 6981 is hereby amended to read as follows;
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]. The 
Secretary of Justice shall send a WRITTEN notice to the person involved of 
the termination of the BENEFITS AND protection provided under this Act, 
stating therein the reason for such termination.
SEC. 5. Section 7 of Republic Act No. 6981 is hereby amended to read as follows:
SEC. 7. Confidentiality [of Proceedings]. - All [proceedings] 
MATTERS involving [applieat-ion-for] admission [mte] AND COVERAGE


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UNDER the Program [and the action taken thereon] shall be confidential 
in nature, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE WITNESS 
IDENTIFY, SUBJECT MATTER OF DISCLOSURE, AND PERSON TO 
WHOM SUCH DISCLOSURE IS MADE. No information or documents 
[given or stibmttted in support thereof] RELATIVE THERETO shall be 
released except upon written order of the Department or the proper court.
Any person who violates [the confidentiality of-said -proceedings] 
THIS PROVISION shall, upon conviction, be punished with imprisonment 
of not less than [one (1) year] FOUR (4) YEARS but not more than six (6) 
years and deprivation of the right to hold a public office or employment for 
a period of five (5) years.
NO INJUNCTION OR TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDER 
SHALL BE ISSUED BY ANY COURT ENJOINING THE ADMISSION OF 
THE WITNESS IN THE PROGRAM BY THE DEPARTMENT."
SEC. 6. Section 8 of Republic Act No. 6981 is hereby amended to read as follows: 
"SEC. 8. Rights and Benefits. - The witness shall have the RIGHTS TO 
SECURITY AND PROTECTION AS WELL AS THE following [rights and] 
benefits:
a) 
To have a secure housing facility until [he] THE WITNESS has 
testified or until the threat, intimidation or harassment disappears or 
is reduced to a manageable or tolerable level. When the circumstances 
warrant, the Witness shall be entitled to relocation and/or change of 
personal identity at the expense of the Program. This right TO A 
SECURE HOUSING FACILITY AND RELOCATION may be 
extended to any member of the family of the Witness within the 
second [eMt] degree of consanguinity or affinity UPON 
SATISFACTION OF THE REASONABLE CONDITIONS THE 
DEPARTMENT SHALL SET FORTH IN THE IMPLEMENTING 
RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THIS ACT.
b) 
TO HAVE A CHANGE OF PERSONAL IDENTITY, WHICH MAY 
INCLUDE A CHANGE IN PHYSIOLOGICAL APPEARANCE OR 
CHANGE OF NAME. THE DEPARTMENT, UPON APPLICATION


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OF THE WITNESS COVERED UNDER THE PROGRAM AND IN 
ACCORDANCE WITH THE RULES WHICH THE DEPARTMENT 
SHALL HEREAFTER PROMULGATE, MAY ORDER A CHANGE OF 
THE FIRST NAME, MIDDLE NAME, AND/OR FAMILY NAME OF 
THE WITNESS COVERED, WITHOUT NEED OF A SEPARATE 
JUDICIAL ORDER OR ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEEDING, WITH 
PROPER COORDINATION WITH CONCERNED GOVERNMENT 
AGENCIES. PURSUANT TO SUCH ORDER, THE DEPARTMENT 
MAY DIRECT ALL CONCERNED AGENCIES OF THE 
GOVERNMENT TO MAKE THE NECESSARY ENTRIES IN SUCH A 
MANNER THAT ENSURES THE CONFIDENTIALITY OF THE 
PROCEEDINGS AND AVOID A DISCLOSURE OF THE IDENTITY 
OF THE WITNESS.
c) 
[(fe)] The Department shall, whenever practicable, assist the Witness 
in obtaining a means of livelihood. The Witness relocated pursuant to 
this Act shall be entitled to a financial assistance from the Program for 
his/HER support and that of his/HER family in such amount and for 
such duration as the Department shall determine.
d) 
[(€)] In no case shall the Witness be removed from or demoted in 
work because or on account of [his] THE WITNESS' absences due 
to [his] attendance before any judicial or quasi-judicial body or 
investigating authority, including legislative investigations in aid of 
legislation, in going thereto and in coming therefrom: Provided, That 
[his] THE WITNESS' 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: Provided, further, That 
in the case of prolonged transfer or permanent relocation, the 
employer shall have the option to remove the Witness from 
employment after securing clearance from the Department, upon the 
recommendation of the Department of Labor and Employment 
(DOLE).
Any Witness who failed to report for work because of witness


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duty shall be [paid-his] GIVEN AN ALLOWANCE BY THE 
DEPARTMENT equivalent TO THE WITNESS' salaries or wages 
corresponding to the number of THE WITNESS' days of absence 
FROM WORK occasioned by the Program. IF THE EMPLOYER 
REMOVES THE WITNESS FROM EMPLOYMENT UPON 
SECURING A CLEARANCE FROM THE DEPARTMENT DUE TO 
PROLONGED TRANSFER OR PERMANENT RELOCATION, THE 
DEPARTMENT SHALL GIVE AN ADDITIONAL ALLOWANCE 
EQUIVALENT TO ONE (1) MONTH PAY OR ONE (1) MONTH 
FOR EVERY YEAR OF SERVICE, WHICHEVER IS HIGHER. For 
purposes of this Act, any fraction of a day shall constitute a full day 
[salary or wage]. This provision shall be applicable to both 
government and private employees.
e) 
[{^] To be provided with reasonable travelling expenses and 
subsistence allowance by the Program in such amount as the 
Department may determine for his attendance in the court, body or 
authority where [bis] THE WITNESS' testimony is required, as well 
as conferences and interviews with prosecutors or investigating 
officers.
f) 
[(e)] To be provided with NECESSARY free medical ATTENTION, 
treatment, hospitalization and medicines, PARTICULARLY for any 
injury, [et=] illness OR ANY OTHER MEDICAL CONDITION incurred 
or suffered by [bim because of] THE WITNESS OR BY HIS/HER 
SPOUSE AND MINOR OR DEPENDENT CHILDREN WHILE ON 
witness duty OR WHILE IN THE TEMPORARY SHELTER 
PROVIDED BY THE PROGRAM in any private or public hospital, 
clinic, or at any such institution at the expense of the Program.
WITNESS DUTY SHALL INCLUDE THE ATTENDANCE OF 
THE WITNESS IN THE COURT, BODY OR AUTHORITY WHERE 
THE TESTIMONY IS REQUIRED, AS WELL AS CONFERENCES, 
INTERVIEWS, AND/OR INVESTIGATIONS WITH 
PROSECUTORS OR INVESTIGATING OFFICERS. A WITNESS


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WHO IS RELOCATED TO AN ACCREDITED WITNESS 
PROTECTION, SECURITY AND BENEFIT PROGRAM 
TEMPORARY SHELTER SHALL BE CONSIDERED TO BE UNDER 
WITNESS DUTY FOR THE DURATION OF HIS/HER STAY IN 
SAID TEMPORARY SHELTER.
g) 
[(0] If a Witness is killed[7] because of participation in the Program, 
[his] THE WITNESS' heirs shall be entitled to a burial benefit of not 
less than [Ten-Thousand pesos (PIO,000.00)] FIVE HUNDRED 
THOUSAND PESOS (P500,000.00) from the Program exclusive of 
any other similar benefits [he] THE WITNESS may be entitled to 
under other existing laws.
h) 
[(g) In caso-of dcoth-or-permanent incapaeityT-his] THE WITNESS' 
minor or dependent children shall be entitled to free education
AND/OR EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE, from primary to college 
level in any state, or private school, college or university [as may be 
detcrmincd-by the Department,] as long as they shall have qualified 
thereto. THE EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS HEREIN PROVIDED CAN 
BE AVAILED OF BY THE WITNESS' MINOR OR DEPENDENT 
CHILDREN FOR PRIMARY, SECONDARY AND TERTIARY 
EDUCATION: PROVIDED, THAT FOR TERTIARY EDUCATION, 
THE EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE SHALL IN NO CASE EXCEED 
FIVE (5) YEARS.''
i) 
IN CASE THE WITNESS IS A SENIOR CITIZEN OR A PERSON 
WITH DISABILITY, THE DEPARTMENT, IN COORDINATION 
WITH THE NATIONAL COMMISSION OF SENIOR CITIZENS 
AND OTHER RELEVANT AGENCIES, SHALL PROVIDE SPECIAL 
ACCOMMODATIONS THAT ADDRESS THEIR NEEDS, AS 
APPROPRIATE, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, MEDICAL 
CARE AND ASSISTANCE AND PALLIATIVE CARE.
THE DEPARTMENT SHALL ASSESS AND EVALUATE, ON AN 
ANNUAL BASIS, THE PROGRAM, AND SHALL DEVELOP AND 
ESTABLISH PROCESSES AND PROCEDURES FOR WITNESS


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PROTECTION AND SECURITY IN ACCORDANCE WITH
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INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNIZED BEST PRACTICES.
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SEC. 7. Section 10 of Republic Act No. 6981 is hereby amended to read as
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follows:
5 
"SEC. 10. [State Witness] ADMISSION OF OFFENDERS. - Any
6 
person who has participated in the commission of a crime and desires to be
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a witness for the State, can apply and, if qualified as determined in this Act
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and by the Department, shall be admitted into the Program whenever the
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following circumstances are present:
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a) The offense in which [h+s] THE testimony will be used is a grave felony
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as defined under the Revised Penal Code or its equivalent under
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special laws;
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b) 
There is absolute necessity for [his] THE testimony;
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c) 
There is no other direct evidence available for the proper prosecution
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of the offense committed;
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d) [)=Hs] THE testimony can be substantially corroborated on its material
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points;
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e) 
[l=Hs] THE PERSON does not appear to be most guilty; and
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f) 
[be] THE PERSON has not at any time been convicted of any crime
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involving moral turpitude.
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FOR THE AVOIDANCE OF DOUBT, THE ADMISSION OF A
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PERSON TO THE PROGRAM IS SEPARATE AND DISTINCT FROM
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THE DISCHARGE OF AN ACCUSED FROM AN INFORMATION OR
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CRIMINAL COMPLAINT BY THE COURT IN ORDER THAT SAID
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ACCUSED MAY BE A STATE WITNESS^ PURSUANT TO SECTION 17
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OF RULE 119 OF THE REVISED RULES OF COURT.
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An accused discharged from an information or criminal complaint by
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the court in order that [be] THE ACCUSED may be a State Witness
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pursuant to [Section-9 and 10] SECTION 17 of Rule 119 of the Revised
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Rules of Court may, upon [bis] petition, be admitted to the Program [if-be
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complies] UPON COMPLIANCE with the other requirements of this Act.
32 
Nothing in this Act shall prevent the discharge of an accused QUALIFIED
8


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TO ACT as a State Witness under SECTION 17, Rule 119 of the Revised 
Rules of Court."
SEC. 8. Section 12 of Republic Act No. 6981 is hereby amended to read as 
follows:
"SEC. 12. Effect of Admission of a Witness into the Program. - The 
certification of admission into the Program by the Department shall be given 
full faith and credit by the provincial or city prosecutor who is required not 
to include the Witness in the criminal complaint or information and if 
included therein, to petition the court for [hts] THE discharge PURSUANT 
TO THIS ACT in order that he/SHE can be utilized as a State Witness. The 
Court shall order the discharge and exclusion of the said accused from the 
information.
Admission into the Program shall AUTOMATICALLY entitle such 
State Witness to immunity from criminal prosecution for the offense or 
offenses in which [Ws] THE testimony will be given or used and all the 
rights and benefits provided under Section 8 hereof."
SEC. 9. A new Section 12-A is hereby inserted to read as follows:
"SEC. 12-A. PERPETUATION OF TESTIMONY. - A WITNESS,
ONCE ADMITTED INTO THE PROGRAM, SHALL PERPETUATE 
HIS/HER TESTIMONY PURSUANT TO RULE 134 OF THE REVISED 
RULES OF COURT."
SEC. 10. Section 13 of Republic Act No. 6981 is hereby deleted in its entirety 
and replaced with the following new Section 13:
"SEC. 13. FAILURE OR REFUSAL OF THE WITNESS TO 
COOPERATE OR TESTIFY. - A WITNESS COVERED UNDER THE 
PROGRAM WHO UNJUSTLY FAILS OR REFUSES TO COOPERATE OR 
TESTIFY IN THE INVESTIGATION OR PROSECUTION OF A CASE OR 
WHO GIVES FALSE OR MISLEADING TESTIMONY SHALL BE 
CRIMINALLY PROSECUTED AND SHALL, UPON CONVICTION, 
SUFFER THE PENALTY OF IMPRISONMENT OF NOT LESS THAN 
FOUR (4) YEARS BUT NOT EXCEEDING SIX (6) YEARS. THE 
WITNESS SHALL ALSO BE REQUIRED TO RESTITUTE ALL THE


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EXPENSES INCURRED RELATIVE TO HIS/HER AND HIS/HER 
FAMILY'S COVERAGE UNDER THE PROGRAM, WITHOUT 
PREJUDICE TO PROSECUTION FOR CONTEMPT AND OTHER 
CRIMES UNDER EXISTING LAWS.''
SEC. 11. Section 17 of Republic Act No. 6981 is hereby amended to read as 
follows;
"SEC. 17. Penalty for Harassment of Witness. - Any person who 
harasses a Witness [and thereby hinders, delays, prevents or dissuades a]
BY REASON OF THE SWORN STATEMENT OR TESTIMONY GIVEN 
BY THE LATTER, OR ATTEMPTS TO HINDER, DELAY, PREVENT OR 
DISSUADE THE Witness from:
a) 
Attending or testifying before any judicial or quasi-judicial body or 
investigating authority;
b) 
Reporting to a law enforcement officer or judge the commission or 
possible commission of an offense, or a violation of conditions or 
probation, parole, or release pending judicial proceedings;
c) 
Seeking the arrest of another person in connection with the offense;
d) 
Causing a criminal prosecution, or a proceeding for the revocation of 
a parole or probation; or
e) 
Performing and enjoying the rights and benefits under this Act, shall 
be fined not more than [Three thousand pesos (P3,000.00)] TWENTY 
THOUSAND PESOS (P20,000.00) or suffer Imprisonment of not 
less than [six (6) months] TWO (2) YEARS but not more than [eee 
(T) year] FOUR (4) YEARS, or both, and he shall also suffer the 
penalty of perpetual disqualification from holding public office in case 
of a public officer."
SEC. 12. A new Section 17-A is hereby inserted to read as follows:
"SEC. 17-A. CONSTRUCTION OF PROVISIONS - IN CASE OF 
DOUBT, THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ACT SHALL BE CONSTRUED IN 
FAVOR OF THE ADMISSION OF THE WITNESS INTO THE 
PROGRAM '
SEC. 13. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the initial
10


1 
implementation of this Act shall be charged against the current year's appropriations
2 
of the Department of Justice (DOJ). Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for
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the continued implementation of this Act shall be included in the annual General
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Appropriations Act.
5 
SEC. 14. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within sixty (60) days
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from the effectivity of this Act, the DOJ, in consultation with appropriate government
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agencies and other relevant stakeholders, shall promulgate the necessary rules and
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regulations to effectively implement the provisions of this Act.
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SEC. 15. Separability Clause. - If any portion or provision of this Act is
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declared unconstitutional, the remainder hereof or any provisions not affected thereby
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shall remain in force and effect.
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SEC. 16. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance,
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executive order, letter of instruction, rule, or regulation inconsistent with the provisions
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of this Act is hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
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SEC. 17. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after
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its complete publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,
11