Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

473

H. B. No.

Introduced by HONORABLE JUAN EDGARDO “SONNY” M. ANGARA

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The protection of victims and witnesses is an essential part of the fight against crime.
The increased risk of witnesses and victims being subjected to intimidation results in the failure
of the criminal justice system to bring offenders to trial and obtain judgments because witnesses
are effectively discouraged from testifying freely and truthfully

The protection of victims and witnesses giving evidence in criminal cases is crucial in
order to achieve successful results in the fight against crime. It is of utmost importance for the
state to protect witnesses against such interference by providing them with specific measures of
protection that effectively ensure their safety. Hence, a Law protecting the confidentiality of the
victim's and witness’ address and telephone number during a trial or hearing related to a
criminal prosecution is necessary in fostering their safety.

Ann
JUAN EDGARDO “ INY” M. ANGARA

Representative
Lone District, Province of Aurora


FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE +)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES —)
First Regular Session )

473

H.B.No.

Introduced by Honorable JUAN EDGARDO “SONNY” M. ANGARA

AN ACT
PROTECTING THE CONFIDENTIALITY OF THE VICTIM'S AND WITNESS’
ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER DURING A TRIAL OR HEARING RELATED
TO A CRIMINAL PROSECUTION

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. This Act may be known as the “The Witness Confidentiality
Act.”

SEC. 2. Confidentiality of Information in Open Court. During a trial or hearing related
to a criminal prosecution, the court shall require that the residence address and telephone
number and the place of business name, address and telephone number of any victim of or
witness to the crime shall not be disclosed in open court, and that such victim or witness shall
not be required to provide the residence or place of business name, address or telephone
number and the place of business name, address and telephone number of any victim or
witness to the crime in response to defense or prosecution questioning, unless the court
determines that there is a clear need for such disclosure because the information is necessary
and relevant to the facts of the case or to the credibility of the witness.

The burden to establish the need and relevance for disclosure shall be on the defense or
the party seeking disclosure.

SEC. 3. Separability Clause. If any provision or part thereof, is held invalid or
unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the provision not otherwise affected shall remain
valid and subsisting

SEC. 4. Repealing Clause. Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive order,
letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation contrary to, or inconsistent with the
provisions of this Act is hereby repealed, modified or amended accordingly.

SEC. 5. Effectivity Clause. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,