Sixteenth Congress
Republic of the Philippines i
First Regular Session | * one: $

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Introduced by Honorable Samuel D. Pagdilao, Jr.

HOUSE BILL NO, 3507
EXPLANATORY NOTE

Although not always reported by the media, the use of information supplied by
community members as informants is everywhere in our criminal justice system. From all
sections of our country to all sectors in our society, information through these concerned
citizens has solved and/or prevented the occurrences of crimes. Our law enforcement officers
see the importance in partnering with the local community. A healthy and active partnership
with the local community is an effective and viable tool to any successful anti-crime and
terrorism campaign.

Presently, there are only two (2) laws that provide a reward system for information
helpful to the solution of crimes and both are very limited in scope.

First, Republic Act 6981 otherwise known as the “Witness Protection and Security
Program’ is applicable only to two kinds of prospective witnesses: (i) those that witnessed!
or has knowledge of the commission of any crime and (ii) those that parti ipated” in the
commission of the crime and desires to be a State Witness, provided he qualifies under the
conditions set forth under the Rules of Court. Hence, only the foregoing individuals are
entitled to the benefits provided under R.A. 6981.

Second, Presidential Decree 1731 “Providing for Rewards and Incentives to
Government Witnesses and Informants and other purposes” is another law that provides for
rewards and incentives to government witnesses and informants. However, P.D. 1731 only
covers crimes against National Security or Public Order or organized/syndicated crime, It
does not cover other crimes punishable by reclusion perpetua or higher or those classified
under special laws as capital offense or punishable by life imprisonment or higher.

‘This bill entitled “The Community Informant Incentive Act” seeks to address situations
not contemplated by the above-mentioned laws. Similar to R.A. 6981 and P.D. 1731, the
“Community Informant Incentive Act,” is designed to encourage the public to assist law
enforcement agencies by sharing vital information for the prevention and solution or
suppression of crimes. The Community Informant and Incentive Act seeks to create an
effective and comprehensive reward and incentive system for providing information leading
to arrest and conviction of these criminals. It is in line with the advocacy of enabling
‘community support in the fight against crime and terrorism.

' Sec. 3, R.A. 6981
? Section 10, Ibid.


Under the Community Informant Incentive Act, not only those that will provide
information on the commission of crimes? shall be protected, but also those that provide
information that will lead to the prevention of the commission of crimes, such as conspiracy
to commit terrorism. The only requirement is that the information supplied should be such
information that will lead either to the arrest or conviction of criminals. Accordingly, our
proposed bill will strengthen the reward system under R.A. 6981.

Furthermore, the Community Informant and Incentive Act, unlike P.D. 1731, covers,
among others, crimes punishable by reclusion perpetua or higher or those classified under
special laws as capital offense or punishable by life imprisonment or higher. Hence, it will
address those crimes not covered by P.D. 1731.

In view of the foregoing and in accordance with the plenary power of Congress to pass
laws, immediate approval of this bill is urgently recommended in order to provide for a more
comprehensive and effective rewards system,

“é

SAMUE] AGDILAO, JR.

!


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

Sixteenth Congress
First Regular Session

House BILLNo,__ 3507

Introduced by Honorable Samuel D. Pagdilao, Jr.

AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE COMMUNITY INFORMANT REWARD ACT
AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Community
Informant Incentive Act.”

SEC. 2, Community Informant Reward Program. — The Community
Informant Incentive Program, herein after referred to as the Program, shall be
established for the purpose of paying rewards, incentives, and other benefits
to informants of certain crimes committed under the Revised Penal Code and
other special laws. It is designed to encourage the public to assist law
enforcement agencies by sharing vital information necessary for the

prevention and resolution of crimes.


SEC.3. Informant Rewards. — The Secretary of Justice may pay a
reward, or give benefits, or other incentives to any person who furnishes

information leading to:

a) The arrest or conviction of any person for the commission of an
act of terrorism against the Republic of the Philippines as defined under
Section 3 of Republic Act No. 9372, otherwise known as the “Human Security
Act of 2007;”

b) The arrest or conviction of any person committing any of the
unlawful acts enumerated in Section 4, Article I of Republic Act No. 9165,
otherwise known as the “Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002;”

c) The arrest or conviction of persons conspiring to commit an act of
terrorism as stated in Section 3(a) of the “Human Security Act of 2007,” and
Section 4, Article I! of the “Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002;”

d) The identification or location of any person who holds a key
leadership position in any terrorist organization or narcotic syndicate, and the
disruption of their financial transactions, including the use by such organization
or syndicate of any means to launder money:

i. To finance terrorist activities or narcotics production or

distribution;


ii. To finance acts of international terrorism or transnational
narcotic trafficking; and

ili, To sustain or support any terrorist organization or
transnational narcotic syndicate;

e) The arrest or conviction of any person for the commission of any
crime punishable by reclusion perpetua or higher or those classified under
special laws as capital offense or punishable by life imprisonment or higher.

SEC. 4, Coordination With Law Enforcement Agencies. - The
Secretary of Justice shall coordinate with the heads of the different law
enforcement agencies and promulgate the necessary procedures to ensure
that there shall be no duplication in obtaining information or evidence from
informants and in the payment of rewards.

The Secretary of Justice shall promulgate procedures on the following:

a) Identifying persons, organizations, and offenses with respect to
which rewards will be offered;

b) Publication of rewards;

c) Offering of joint rewards with a foreign government;

d) Receipt and analysis of data; and

€) Approval of payment and payment of rewards.


SEC. 5. Limitations and Certification. The reward paid under this Act
may not exceed Ten Million Pesos (Php10,000,000.00), except as authorized by
the President, upon the recommendation of the Secretary of Justice that the
offer or payment of a reward of a larger amount is necessary to combat
terrorism or defend the nation against terrorist acts.

Any reward granted under this Act shall be approved and certified for
payment by the Secretary of Justice.

SEC. 6, Protection Measures. — Upon determination by the Secretary of
Justice that the identity of the recipient of the reward under this Act or of the
members of the immediate family of the recipient must be protected, the
Secretary of Justice shall take such measures necessary to effect such
protection.

SEC. 7. Forms of Rewards. — The Secretary of Justice may pay a reward
or give benefits under this Act in the form of money, education and livelihood
assistance, or other incentives including immunity from criminal prosecution.

SEC. 8. Ineligibility. — An officer or employee of the government or of a
foreign government who, while in the performance of official duties, furnishes
information described in Section 3 of this Act shall not be eligible to receive a

reward under this Act.


SEC. 9. Reports on Payment of Rewards. ~ Within thirty (30) days after
the payment of any reward under this Act, the Secretary of Justice shall submit
a report to the appropriate congressional committees with respect to the
payment of such reward. The report, which may be submitted in classified
form if necessary, shall specify the amount of the reward, the recipient
thereof, and the acts for which the reward was paid. The report shall also
discuss the significance of the information for which the reward was paid.

SEC. 10, Annual Reports. — Within sixty (60) days after the end of each
fiscal year, the Secretary of Justice shall submit a report to the appropriate
congressional committees with respect to the operation of the Program. The
report shall provide information on the total amount expended during the
fiscal year to carry out and achieve the purpose of this Act, including amounts
expended to publicize the availability of rewards.

SEC. 11. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the
implementation of this Act shall be taken from the appropriations for the
Office of the President under the current General Appropriations Act.
Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the continued implementation
of the Program shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

SEC. 12. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Secretary of

Justice shall, in consultation with the Director General of the Philippine


National Police, Director of the National Bureau of Investigation, Director of
the Philippine Drug Enforcement Administration, Commissioner of
Immigration, and the Anti-Money Laundering Council, promulgate the
appropriate rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.

SEC.13. Repealing Clause. — All laws, decrees, ordinances, rules and
regulations and other issuances or parts thereof, which are inconsistent with
this Act, are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 14.  Separability Clause. — |f any part or provision of this Act is held
invalid or unconstitutional, other provisions not affected thereby shall remain in
force and effect.

SEC. 15. __Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after
publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) national newspapers of general
circulation.

Approved,