Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ____ 
Introduced by HON. LUIS RAYMUND “LRAY” F. VILLAFUERTE, JR. 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Republic Act (R.A.) No. 6981, otherwise known as the "Witness Protection, Security 
and Benefit Act" was enacted to provide protection and security to witnesses 
including those who attend legislative investigations, in aid of legislation, conducted 
by the Congress of the Philippines. 
This proposed measure seeks to amend RA No. 6981, through the creation of a 
separate program for witnesses in legislative inquiries, to be administered by the 
Senate of the Philippines or the House of Representatives, as the case may be. For 
further protection of the witnesses, the bill likewise proposes to empower the 
Secretary of Justice, to order the change of name of covered witnesses without need 
for a separate judicial order. 
To guarantee the truthfulness of the witness' testimony, the safeguards in the form of 
prerequisites for admission to the program were added: 1) prohibition form 
communicating or entering into amicable settlement with any adverse party; and 2) 
compliance with such other conditions deemed proper for the successful investigation 
or prosecution of the case. 
In view of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought. 
LUIS RAYMUND “LRAY” F. VILLAFUERTE, JR. 
May 15, 2023
9:00 am
8097


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ____ 
Introduced by HON. LUIS RAYMUND “LRAY” F. VILLAFUERTE, JR. 
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" 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
Section 1. Section 3 of Republic Act No. 6981, otherwise known as the "Witness 
Protection, Security and Benefit Act", is 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 
testified or is testifying or about to testify before any judicial or 
quasi-judicial body, or before any investigating authority, may be 
admitted into the Program: Provided, That:  
"a) The offense [n] FOR which [his] THE testimony will be used is a 
grave felony as defined under the Revised Penal Code, or its equivalent 
under special laws; 
"b) [His] THE testimony can be substantially corroborated in its material 
points; 
"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 [his] life or bodily injury or there is a likelihood that [he] THE 
WITNESS will be killed, forced, intimidated, harassed or corrupted [to 
prevent him] SO AS TO BE PREVENTED from testifying, or to testify 
8097


 
 
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 case, only the 
immediate 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 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. 2. Section 4 of Republic Act No. 6981, otherwise known as the "Witness 
Protection, Security and Benefit Act", is hereby amended to read as follows: 
 
"Sec. 4. Witness in Legislative Investigations. – In case of legislative 
investigations in aid of legislation, [a witness,] THE SENATE OF THE 
PHILIPPINES OR THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, AS THE 
CASE MAY BE, MAY PROVIDE FOR A SEPARATE 'WITN ESS 
PROTECTION, SECURITY AND BENEFIT PROGRAM' FOR ITS 
RESOURCE PERSONS AND/OR WITNESSES. THE WITNESS 
AND/OR RESOURCE PERSON, [with his express consent,] may be 
admitted into the Program upon THE WRITTEN APPLICATION AND 
the recommendation of the legislative committee where [his] THE 
testimony is needed when in its judgment there is a pressing necessity 
[therefore] FOR THE WITNESS' TESTIMONY OR THE PRODUCTION 
OF DOCUMENTS OR EVIDENCE IN POSSESSION OR CUSTODY 
OF THE WITNESS: Provided, That such recommendation is approved 
by the President of the Senate or the Speaker of the House of 
Representatives, as the case may be. 


 
 
"THE SENATE OF THE PHILIPPINES OR THE HOUSE OF 
REPRESENTATIVES, AS THE CASE MAY BE, SHALL HAVE 
PRIMARY 
JURISDICTION 
IN 
THE 
ADMINISTRATION 
AND 
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE LEGISLATIVE WITNESS PROTECTION, 
SECURITY AND BENEFIT PROGRAM. CONGRESS MAY REQUEST 
THE NECESSARY ASSISTANCE FROM ANY DEPARTMENT, 
BUREAU, OFFICE OR ANY OTHER EXECUTIVE AGENCY TO 
ASSIST IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROGRAM: PROVIDED, 
HOWEVER, THAT IN THE EVENT THAT A CRIMINAL CASE HAS 
BEEN INSTITUTED, FOR PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION OR TRIAL 
IN THE COURT, IN RELATION TO THE SUBJECT OF THE 
LEGISLATIVE INQUIRY, ANY WITNESS TO THE CRIMINAL CASE 
COVERED 
BY 
THE 
LEGISLATIVE 
WITNESS 
PROTECTION, 
SECURITY 
AND 
BENEFIT 
PROGRAM 
SHALL 
UPON 
THE 
RECOMMENDATION 
OF 
THE 
LEGISLATIVE 
COMMITTEE 
CONCERNED, BE TURNED OVER TO THE WITNESS PROTECTION, 
SECURITY AND BENEFIT PROGRAM ADMINISTERED BY THE 
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE: PROVIDED, FURTHER, THAT ANY 
WITNESS TO A CRIMINAL CASE WHO IS COVERED BY THE 
PROGRAM ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE 
SHALL CONTINUE TO BE COVERED AND SHALL REMAIN UNDER 
SUCH 
PROGRAM 
NOTWITHSTANDING 
ANY 
LEGISLATIVE 
INQUIRY THAT MAY BE INITIATED THEREAFTER WHERE SUCH 
WITNESS MAY BE CALLED UPON TO TESTIFY AS A RESOURCE 
PERSON. 
"ANY WITNESS COVERED BY THE LEGISLATIVE WITNESS 
PROTECTION, SECURITY AND BENEFIT PROGRAM SHALL 
ENJOY THE SAME RIGHTS AND BENEFITS, BEAR THE SAME 
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SHALL BE SUBJECT TO THE SAME 
CONDITIONS AS PROVIDED FOR IN THIS ACT. "TO EFFECTIVELY 
CARRY OUT THIS PROVISION, CONGRESS SHALL PROVIDE 
FUNDING FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ITS OWN WITNESS 
PROTECTION, 
SECURITY 
AND 
BENEFIT 
PROGRAM 
AND 
PROMULGATE ITS OWN RULES AND REGULATIONS THEREFOR." 


 
 
 
Sec. 3. Section 5 of Republic Act No. 6981, otherwise known as the "Witness 
Protection, Security and Benefit Act", is hereby amended to read as follows: 
 
"Sec. 5. Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Person to be 
Protected. – [Before a person is provided] AS A PREREQUISITE TO 
THE AVAILMENT OF THE protection under this Act, [he 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 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 [him] under this Act; 
"d) To comply with legal obligations and civil judgments against [him] 
ONE'S PERSON; 
"e) To cooperate with respect to all reasonable requests of officers and 
employees of the Government who are providing protection under this 
Act; [and] 
"f) To regularly inform 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 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 IM POSE 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, otherwise known as the "Witness 


 
 
Protection, Security and Benefit Act", is hereby amended to read as follows: 
 
"Sec. 6. Breach of the Memorandum of Agreement. – [Substantial] ANY 
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 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, otherwise known as the "Witness 
Protection, Security and Benefit Act", is hereby amended to read as follows: 
 
"Sec. 7. Confidentiality [of Proceedings]. – All [proceedings] MATTERS 
involving [application for] admission AND COVERAGE [into] UNDER 
the Program [and the action taken thereon] shall be confidential in 
nature [.] AND [N] No information or documents [given or submitted 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 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, otherwise known as the "Witness 
Protection, Security and Benefit Act", is hereby amended to read as follows: 
 
"Sec. 8. Rights and Benefits. - The Witness shall have the RIGHT 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 [civil] 
degree of consanguinity or affinity. "A CHANGE OF PERSONAL 
IDENTITY MAY INCLUDE A CHANGE IN PHYSICAL APPEARANCE 
OR CHANGE OF NAME. THE SECRETARY OF JUSTICE, UPON 
APPLICATION 
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, W ITHOUT NEED OF A 
SEPARATE 
JUDICIAL 
ORDER 
OR 
ADMINISTR 
ATIVE 
PROCEEDINGS. PURSUANT TO SUCH ORDER, THE SECRETARY 
OF JUSTICE MAY DIRECT ALL CONCERNED AGENCIES OF THE 
GOVERNMENT TO MAKE THE NECESSARY ENTRIES IN THEIR 
RESPECTIVE REGISTRIES IN SUCH A MANNER THAT ENSURE 
THE CONFIDENTIALITY OF THE PROCEEDINGS AND AVOID A 
DISCLOSURE OF THE IDENTITY OF THE W ITNESS. 
"b) 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 
support and that of his family] in such amount and for such duration as 
the Department shall determine. 
"c) In no 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 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 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. 
"Any Witness who failed to report for work because of witness duty shall 
be paid [his] BY ONE'S EMPLOYER THE equivalent salaries or wages 
corresponding to the number of days of absence occasioned by the 
Program. For purposes of this Act, any fraction o f a day shall constitute 
a full day salary or wage. This provision shall be applicable to both 
government and private employees. 
"d) 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 [his] 
THE WITNESS' testimony is required, as well as conferences and 
interviews with prosecutors or investigating officers. 
"e) To be provided with NECESSARY free medical ATTENTION, 
treatment, hospitalization and medicines PARTICULARLY for any injury, 
[or] illness, OR ANYOTHER MEDICAL CONDITION incurred or 
suffered by [him because of] THE WITNESS OR BY THE 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. 
"WITN ESS DUTY SHALL INCLUDE THE ATTENDANCE OF THE 
WITNESS IN THE COURT, BODY OR AUTHORITY WHERE THE 
TESTIMONY IS REQUIRED AS WELL AS CONFERENCES AND 
INTERVIEWS 
WITH 
PROSECUTORS 
OR 
INVESTIGATING 
OFFICERS. A WITNESS 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 STAY IN SAID 
TEMPORARY SHELTER." 
"f) If a Witness is killed, because of [his] participation in the Program, 
[his] THE WITNESS' heirs shall be entitled to a burial benefit of not less 


 
 
them Ten thousand pesos (P10,000.00) from the Program exclusive of 
any other similar benefits [he] THE WITNESS may be entitled to under 
other existing laws. 
"g) [In case of death or permanent incapacity, 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 determined 
by the Department,] as long as they shall have qualified thereto. THE 
EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS HEREIN PROVIDED CAN BE AVAILED 
BY THE WITNESS' MINOR OR DEPENDENT CHILDREN FOR 
PRIMARY, SECONDARY AND TERTIARY EDUCATION, BUT IN THE 
LATTER CASE, NOT TO EXCEED FIVE (5) YEARS." 
 
Sec. 7. Section 10 of Republic Act No. 6981, otherwise known as the "Witness 
Protection, Security and Benefit Act", is hereby amended to read as follows: 
 
"Sec 10. [State Witness] ADMISSION OF OFFENDERS. – Any person 
who has participated in the commission of a crime and desires to be a 
witness for the [State] GOVERNMENT can apply and, if qualified as 
determined in this Act and by the Department, shall be admitted into the 
Program whenever the following circumstances are present: 
"a) The offense in which [his] THE testimony will be used is a grave 
felony as defined under the Revised Penal Code or its equivalent under 
special laws; 
"b) There is absolute necessity for [his] THE testimony; 
"c) There is no other direct evidence available for the proper 
prosecution of the offense committed; 
"d) [His] THE testimony can be substantially corroborated on its 
material points; 
e) [He] THE PERSON does not appear to be most guilty; and 
"f) [He] THE PERSON has not at any time been convicted of any crime 
involving moral turpitude. 
"THE ADMISSION OF A PERSON TO THE PROGRAM IS DISTINCT 
AND SEPARATE FROM A DISCHARGE OF AN ACCUSED FROM AN 


 
 
INFORMATION OR CRIMINAL COMPLAINT BY THE COURT IN 
ORDER THAT SAID ACCUSED MAY BE A STATE WITNESS 
PURSUANT TO SECTION 17 OF RULE 119 OF THE REVISED 
RULES OF COURT. 
"An accused discharged from an information or criminal complaint by 
the court in order that [he] THE ACCUSED may be a State Witness 
pursuant to [Sections 9-and 10] SECTION 17 of Rule 119 of the 
Revised Rules of Court may, upon [his] petition, be admitted to the 
Program [if he complies] UPON COMPLIANCE with the other 
requirements of this Act. Nothing in this Act shall prevent the discharge 
of an accused [so that can be used] WHO QUALIFIED as [a] State 
Witness under SECTION 17, Rule 119 of the Revised Rules of Court." 
 
Sec. 8. Section 12 of Republic Act No. 6981, otherwise known as the "Witness 
Protection, Security and Benefit Act", is hereby amended to read as follows: 
 
"Sec. 12. Effect of Admission of a [State] 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 [his] THE 
discharge PURSUANT TO THIS ACT in order that [he] ONE can be 
utilized as a [State] Witness FOR THE PROSECUTION. [The court 
shall order the discharge and exclusion of the said accused from the 
information.]  
"Admission into the Program shall AUTOMATICALLY entitle such 
[State] COVERED Witness to immunity from criminal prosecution for 
the offense or offenses in which [his] THE testimony will be given or 
used and [all the rights and benefits provided under Section 8 hereof] 
THE COURT SHALL ORDER THE DISCHARGE AND EXCLUSION 
OF THE SAID WITNESS FROM THE INFORMATION.” 
 
Sec. 9. A new Section (Section 12-A) shall be inserted between Section 12 and 
Section 13 of Republic Act No. 6981, which shall 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 lawfully obliged to do so, 
shall be prosecuted for contempt. If he testifies falsely or evasively, he 
shall be liable to prosecution for perjury. If a State Witness fails or 
refuses to testify, or testifies falsely or evasively, or violates any 
condition accompanying such immunity without just cause as 
determined in a hearing by the proper court, his immunity shall be 
removed and he shall be subject to contempt or criminal prosecution. 
Moreover, the enjoyment of all rights and benefits under this Act shall be 
deemed terminated.] 
[the Witness may, however, purge himself of the contumacious acts by 
testifying at any appropriate stage of the proceedings.] 
"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 PROGRAMS 
EXPENSES RELATIVE TO HIS COVERAGE WITHOUT PREJUDICE 
TO PROSECUTION FOR CONTEMPT UNDER OTHER EXISTING 
LAWS." 
 
Sec. 10. Section 14 of Republic Act No. 6981, otherwise known as the "Witness 
Protection, Security and Benefit Act", is hereby amended to read as follows: 
 
"Sec. 14. Compelled Testimony. – Any Witness admitted into the 
Program pursuant to Sections 3 and 10 of this Act cannot refuse to 
testify or give evidence or produce books, documents, records or 
writings necessary for the prosecution of the offense or offenses for 
which [he] ONE has been admitted into the Program on the ground of 


 
 
the constitutional right against self-incrimination, [but he] THE 
WITNESS shall enjoy immunity from criminal prosecution and [cannot] 
SHALL NOT be subjected to any penalty or forfeiture for any 
transaction, matter or thing concerning his compelled testimony or 
books, documents, records or writings produced. 
"In case of refusal of [said] THE Witness to testify or give evidence or 
produce books, documents, records, or writings, on the ground of the 
right against self-incrimination, and the [state] PUBLIC prosecutor or 
investigator believes that such evidence is absolutely necessary for a 
successful prosecution of the offense or offenses charged or under 
investigation, he, with the prior approval of the Department, shall file a 
petition with the appropriate court for the issuance of an order requiring 
said Witness to testify, give evidence or produce the books, documents, 
records, and writings described, and the court shall issue the proper 
order. 
"The court, upon motion of the [state] PUBLIC prosecutor or 
investigator, shall order the arrest and detention of the Witness in any 
jail contiguous to the place of trial or investigation until such time that 
the Witness is willing to give such testimony or produce such 
documentary evidence." 
 
Sec. 11. Section 15 of Republic Act No. 6981, otherwise known as the "Witness 
Protection, Security and Benefit Act", is hereby amended to read as follows: 
 
"Sec. 15. [Perjury or] Contempt. – No Witness shall be exempt from 
prosecution for [ perjury or] contempt committed while giving testimony 
or producing evidence under compulsion pursuant to this Act. [The 
penalty next higher in degree shall be imposed in case of conviction for 
perjury.] The procedure prescribed under Rule 71 of the Rules of Court 
shall be followed in contempt proceedings but the penalty to be 
imposed shall not be less than one (1) month but not more than one (1) 
year imprisonment. PROVIDED, THAT WITNESSES IN INQUIRIES IN 
AID OF LEGISLATION MAY BE IMPRISONED UNTIL THE 
TERMINATION OF THE LEGISLATIVE INQUIRY." 


 
 
 
Sec. 12. Section 17 of Republic Act No. 6981, otherwise known as the "Witness 
Protection, Security and Benefit Act", 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 Witness] BY REASON OF THE SWORN STATEMENT 
OR TESTIMONY GIVEN BY THE LATTER, OR WHO 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 [or 
attempts to do so,] shall be fined not more than [Three thousand pesos 
(P3,000.00)] TWENTY THOUSAND PESOS (P20,00.00) or suffer 
imprisonment of not less than [six (6) months] TWO (2) 20 YEARS but 
not more than [one (1) year,] FOUR (4 ) YEARS, or both [, and he shall 
also suffer the penalty of perpetual disqualification form holding public 
office in case of a public officer]. "IN ADDITION, THE PENALTY OF 
PERPETUAL 
DISQUALIFICATION 
FROM 
HOLDING 
PUBLIC 
OFFICE SHALL BE IMPOSED UPON THE OFFENDER WHO IS A 
PUBLIC OFFICER." 
 
Sec. 13. A new Section (Section 17-A) shall be inserted between Section 17 and 
Section 18 of Republic Act No. 6981, which shall read as follows: 
 
"SEC. 17-A. CONSTRUCTION OF PROVISIONS. – IN CASE OF 
DOUBT, ANY PROVISION OF THIS ACT SHALL BE CONSTRUED IN 
FAVOR OF THE ADMISSION OF THE WITNESS." 


 
 
 
Sec. 14. Appropriations. – The amount necessary to carry out the provisions of this 
Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. 
 
Sec. 15. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – The Department of Justice shall 
promulgate the necessary Implementing Rules and Regulations within six (6) months 
from the effectivity of this Act. 
 
Sec. 16. Separability Clause. – If any section or provision of this Act shall be 
declared unconstitutional or invalid, such shall not invalidate any other section of this 
Act. 
 
Sec. 17. Repealing Clause. – All laws, decrees, orders, rules, regulations, 
ordinances or parts thereof which are inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed 
or modified accordingly. 
 
Sec. 18. Effectivity Clause. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
complete publication in at least two (2) general newspapers of national circulation. 
 
Approved,