The House of Representatives has approved on third and final reading a bill expanding the rights and benefits of prospective witnesses to help the authorities prosecute criminals and strengthen the administration of justice.
House Bill 5714 authored by Aurora Rep. Juan Edgardo Angara seeks to amend Republic Act 6981 otherwise known as “Witness Protection, Security and Benefit Act.”
The measure shall provide a secure housing facility and relocation to the witness and may be extended to any member of the family within the second degree of consanguinity.
The measure allows the witness to change his/her identity and physiological appearance without the need for a separate judicial order or administrative proceedings.
“To ensure the confidentiality of any proceedings and avoid disclosure of the identity of the witness, the Secretary of Justice may direct all concerned agencies to make the necessary entries in the respective registries,” the bill stated.
While in the temporary shelter provided by the program, the necessary medical attention, treatment, hospitalization and medicines needed for any injury or illness incurred or suffered by the Witness, including the spouse and minor or dependent children shall be at the expense of the Program.
The proposed law mandates the grant of free education from primary to college level in any state school, college or university to the witness’ minor or dependent children during the Witness admission to the Program and up to one year after the termination of his witness duty.
The witness duty shall include his/her attendance in court, body or authority where one is required as well as in conferences and interviews with prosecutors or investigating officers.
“A witness who is relocated to an accredited Witness Protection Security and Benefit Program (WPSBP) safehouse or temporary shelter shall be considered to be under witness duty,” the bill added.
To avail of the protection program, the witness shall enter into a memorandum of agreement with the Department of Justice (DOJ) which sets certain responsibilities, among others, 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 and to comply with other conditions as the Secretary of Justice may deem proper to impose for the successful investigation or prosecution of the case. –Maricel Cruz, Manila Standard Today
September 18 –
International Equal Pay Day
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For widespread, practical equality!”
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September –
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7 Sept – Intl Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies
8 Sept – International Literacy Day
12 Sept – United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation
15 Sept – International Day of Democracy
16 Sept – International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer
17 Sept – World Patient Safety Day
18 Sept – International Equal Pay Day
21 Sept – International Day of Peace
26 Sept – International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons
27 Sept – World Tourism Day
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29 Sept – International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste
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Health, Safety and Sanitation Month
National Clean-up Month
Civil Service Month
National Peace Consciousness Month
Social Security Month
Rule of Law Month
National Teachers’ Month (Sept 5-Oct 4)
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Sept 17 – 23:
World Clean and Green Week
Week 2: Education Week
Week 4: Medicine Week
Last Week: National Family Week
Daily Observances:
Third Saturday:
International Coastal Clean-up Day
Third Monday: World Health Day
Last Friday: National Maritime Day
Sept 8: National Literacy Day
Sept 15: Philippine Medicine Day
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