Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Batasan Hills, Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. _______ 
Introduced by  
HON. ATTY. GERVILLE “JINKY BITRICS” R. LUISTRO 
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 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The effective administration of justice in the Philippines often hinges on the willingness of 
witnesses to come forward and testify, particularly in cases involving organized crime, corruption, 
human rights violations, and other grave offenses. However, fear of retaliation, intimidation, and 
lack of adequate support mechanisms continue to discourage potential witnesses from cooperating 
with law enforcement and the judicial system. 
Republic Act No. 6981, or the “Witness Protection, Security and Benefit Act,” was enacted 
to address these concerns by providing crucial safeguards and incentives to individuals who come 
forward with vital testimony. Since its passage, the program has played a pivotal role in 
prosecuting high-profile and complex cases. However, over the years, the landscape of crime and 
public accountability has evolved, exposing limitations in the current framework—particularly in 
the areas of funding, inter-agency coordination, and long-term protection and reintegration for 
witnesses and their families. 
This proposed bill seeks to strengthen the Witness Protection, Security and Benefit 
Program by introducing amendments to Republic Act No. 6981, enhancing protective 
mechanisms, expanding benefits, institutionalizing reintegration programs, and ensuring the 
July 28, 2025
8:15 am
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sustained availability of government resources to support witnesses. In doing so, the bill aims to 
reaffirm the State’s commitment to truth, justice, and the rule of law. 
This representation recognizes and gives due credit to the original author of this 
legislative measure, Congressman Rufus B. Rodriguez, Representative of the 2nd District of 
Cagayan de Oro City, who championed this vital reform in the 19th Congress. 
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this measure is earnestly sought. 
HON. ATTY. GERVILLE “JINKY BITRICS” R. LUISTRO 


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Batasan Hills, Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. _______ 
Introduced by  
HON. ATTY. GERVILLE “JINKY BITRICS” R. LUISTRO 
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 
SECTION 1. Sections 3, 4,5, 6, 7 and 8 of Republic Act No. 6981, otherwise known as 
the "Witness Protection, Security and Benefit 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 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 [in] 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
2340


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, 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 his 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. 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 
‘WITNESS 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 
APPLICANT AND the recommendation of the legislative committee where [his] THE testimony 
is needed when in its judgment there is a pressing necessity [therefor] 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 FILING 
OF A CASE IN 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 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 
INTIATED 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.” 
  
“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 FIRST 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 SUBJECTOF 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. 6. Breach of the Memorandum of Agreement. -Substantial breach of the memorandum of 
agreement shall be ground for the IMMEDIATE termination of the BENEFITS AND protection 
provided under this Act[: Provided, however, That before terminating such protection,]. [t]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. 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. 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 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 
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 WHICH THE DEPARTMENT 
SHALL HEREAFTER PROMULGATE, MAY ORDER A CHANGE OF FIRST NAME, 
MIDDLE NAME AND/OR FAMILY NAME OF THE WITNESS COVERED, WITHOUT 
NEED OF A SEPARATE JUDICIAL ORDER OR ADMINISTRATIVE 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 
ENSURES THE CONFIDENTIALITY OF THE PROCEEDINGS AND AVOID A 
DISCLOSURE OF THE IDENTITY OF THE WITNESS. 
  
“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 
(DOLE). 
  
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 of 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 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 ANY OTHER MEDICAL 
CONDITION incurred or suffered by [him 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 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 
HIS/HER 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 than 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 OF BY THE WITNESS’ MINOR OR 
DEPENDENT 
CHILDREN 
FOR 
PRIMARY, 
SECONDARY 
AND 
TERTIARY 
EDUCATION, BUT IN THE LATTER, NOT TO EXCEED FIVE (5) YEARS.” 
  
SECTION 2. Sections 10 and 12 of the same Act are 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 [Section 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 he can be used] WHO QUALIFIED as [a] 
State Witness under SECTION 17, Rule 119 of the Revised Rules of Court.” 
  
“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.” 
 
SECTION 3. A new section (Section 12) shall be inserted between Section 12 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 134 
OF THE REVISED RULES OF COURT.” 
 
 
SECTION 4. Sections 13, 14, 15 and 17 of the same Act are hereby amended to read as 
follows: 
  
“SEC. 13. Failure of 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 he 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 PROGRAM’S EXPENSES RELATIVE TO HIS COVERAGE 
WITHOUT PREJUDICE TO PROSECUTION FOR CONTEMPT UNDER OTHER 
EXISTING LAWS.” 
  
  
“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] SAID 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 writing produced. 
  
“In case of refusal of said 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 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, or 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 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. 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.” 
(Sec. 4 cont’d.) 
  
“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 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 (P20,000.00) or suffer imprisonment of not less [six (6) months] TWO (2) 
YEARS but not more than [one (1) year] FOUR (4) YEARS, [or both. He shall also suffer the 
penalty of perpetual disqualification from 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.” 
 
SECTION 5. A new section (Section 17-A) is hereby inserted in 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 INTO THE PROGRAM.” 
 
SECTION 6. Appropriations. – The amount necessary to carry out the provisions of this 
Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. 
 
SECTION 7. Rules and Regulations. – The Department of Justice shall promulgate the 
necessary rules and regulations to implement this Act. 
 
SECTION 8. 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. 
 
SECTION 9. Repealing Clause. – All laws, decrees, orders, rules, regulations, ordinances 
or parts thereof which are inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
 
SECTION 10. Effectivity Clause. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
complete publication in at least two (2) newspapers of national circulation. 
  
Approved,