Revisions on witness protection law sought

A lawmaker in the House of Representatives on Monday moved to amend the Witness Protection Program Act, following President Benigno Aquino III’s call encouraging witnesses to speak up on unresolved crimes and allegations of corruptions in government.

Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez said there is a need to amend Republic Act No. 6981 or Witness Protection, Security, and Benefit Act in view of the active roles of Senate and Lower Chamber in the investigation of malfeasance, or misfeasance of government officials.

“It is necessary that the Senate and the House of Representatives have their own separate Witness Protection, Security and Benefit Program for the resource person and/or witness appearing before any of its committees,” Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez filed House Bill 1979 seeking to amend Section 4 of the act that would allow the Senate or the Lower House to request necessary assistance from any department, bureau, office or any executive agency to assist with the program’s implementation.

With or without assistance from other government agencies, the amendment ensures that both houses of congress shall implement the program especially when the safety of the witness might be jeopardized with the involvment of public officials on the case.

The amendment also seeks for the free medical treatment, hospitalization, and medicines for any injury or illness incurred or suffered because of witness duty or while in the safehouse in any private hospital, clinic, or such institution at the expense of the program.

The veteran lawmaker also wanted to assure that “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 long as the witnesses are qualified” that will be determined by the justice department. (Rio Rose Ribaya), Manila Bulletin