Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City, Metro Manila

Fifteenth Congress
First Regular Session

awe | 620

House Bill N

io.

Introduced by the Honorable Simeon A. Datumanong

Explanatory Note

It is common knowledge that the successful prosecution of criminal offenses
primarily rests on the willingness of witnesses to fully cooperate with the authorities
who investigate and prosecute criminal offenses. Many cases were lost because of the
natural reticence of prospective witnesses to involve themselves in criminal actions
because of fear for their lives and limbs. It is therefore imperative for the State to
encourage prospective witnesses to help the authorities prosecute criminal offenses
by providing them the necessary assistance not only for their safety but also their
welfare.

This seeks to amend certain provisions of Republic Act 6981, otherwise known
as the Witness Protection, Security and Benefit Act, to further protect the rights and
benefits of the witness whose life and limb are put in peril as he/she acts upon
his/her social duties. Among the expanded rights and benefits which are intended to
be given to him are free medical treatment and hospitalization In case of death, the
witness’ minor or dependent children shall also be entitled to free education if they
are qualified thereto.

This representation believes that these amendments will go a long way to
promote the welfare of the witness and his/her family, and further strengthen the
administration of justice. In view thereof, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

ome DATUMANONG
2 District, Maguindanao


Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City, Metro Manila

Fifteenth Congress
First Regular Session

629

House Bill No.

Introduced by the Honorable Simeon A. Datumanong

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

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

SECTION 1. Section 8, paragraphs (e) and (g) 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 shalll have the following
rights and benefits:

“a)xxx

“D) xxx

Me) xxx

vd) xxx

“e) To be provided with NEEDED free medical treatment,
hospitalization and medicines PARTICULARLY for any injury, [or] illness
OR ANY OTHER MEDICAL CONDITION incurred or suffered by


him/HER [because of] WHILE ON witness duty OR WHILE IN THE
SAFEHOUSE in any private or public hospital, clinic, or at any such
institution at the expense of the Prrogram.
“ WITNESS DUTY SHALL INCLUDE THE ATTENDANCE OF
THE WITNESS IN THE COURT, BODY OR AUTHORITY WHERE
HIS/HER 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
(WPSBP) SAFEHOUSE/TEMPORARY SHELTER SHALL BE
CONSIDERED TO BE UNDER WITNESS DUTY.
"XXX
“g) [In case of death or permanent incapacity, his] THE WITNESS’
minor or dependent children shall be entitled to free education, 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 BENEFIT HEREIN
PROVIDED CAN BE AVAILED BY THE WITNESS’ MINOR OR
DEPENDENT CHILDREN DURING HIS/HER ADMISSION TO THE
PROGRAM AND UP TO ONE (1) YEAR AFTER THE TERMINATION
OF HIS/HER WITNESS DUTY.”
SEC. 2. A new section shall be inserted between Section 12 and Section
13 of the same Act, which shall read as follows:
a) “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.3. The Department of Justice shall promulgate the necessary rules
and regulations to implement this Act.
SEC. 4. 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.5. All daws, decrees, orders, rules, regulations, ordinances or parts


thereof which are inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified
accordingly.

SEC. 6. This Act shalll take effect fifteen (15) days upon its publication in
at least two (2) general newspapers of national circulation.

Approved,