A proposed measure that would provide additional benefits, such as free medical check-up and allowances, to people under the government’s Witness Protection Program (WPP) has been filed at the House of Representatives.

The House Committee on Justice, headed by Negros Occidental 4th District Rep. Juliet Marie de Leon Ferrer, deliberated on House Bills (HBs) 5660 and 6655, or “Strengthening the Witness Protection, Security and Benefit Program, amending for the purpose RA 6981, otherwise known as the Witness Protection, Security and Benefit Act, appropriating funds therefor.”

HBs 5660 and 6655 were authored by Reps. Eduardo ‘Bro. Eddie’ Villanueva of CIBAC Party-list and Rufus Rodriguez of Cagayan de Oro 2nd district, respectively.

Noting how witnesses are “indispensable in the success of prosecuting an administrative, criminal, or legislative case,” Villanueva, in his bill’s explanatory note underscored that the proposal “aims to provide more benefits to witnesses and their family members, such as increasing the educational benefits given to the children of the witness.”

“These benefits aim to encourage witnesses to speak out the truth in vital investigations and in the pursuit of justice. This bill also increases the penalties against witnesses who unjustly fail to cooperate in testifying in investigations, by compelling them to reimburse all expenses spent on his protection,” the note, which also served as the sponsorship speech, said.

During the deliberations, wherein a technical working group (TWG) was also created, the Philippine National Police (PNP), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Department of Justice (DOJ), Commission on Human Rights (CHR), and the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) expressed support for the amendments.

A representative from the Justice department said it “interposes no legal objections” to the proposed measures, and lauded the amendments for seeking “to improve the existing law based on the cost of living allowances, the addition of benefits such as medical for the witnesses.”

The agency also hopes that the “penal clause” for those who would harass the witnesses during their stay in the program would be dealt with more severe penalties.

The amendments would be “really effective in the administration of justice,” adding that many cases “were successful because of the testimony of the witness who were admitted in this program.”

“We have to take into consideration that there are actual witnesses to a crime who are hesitant to come out because out of fear, threats. Now, because of the existence of the program at least, they have someone to count on whenever they decide to testify in court,” he explained.

Both measures seek to provide a “secure housing facility and relocation” for the witnesses, as well as a possible change in physiological appearance or change of name.

However, while both bills push for the protection of the witnesses’ job tenure by only allowing their employers to remove them from the job due to relocation or prolonged absence, Villanueva’s measure stressed the need for the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to provide an allowance “equivalent to the witness’ salaries or wages corresponding to the number of the witness’ days of absence from work occasioned by the program.”

The measures proposed for necessary free medical attention, treatment, and hospitalization incurred by the witness or by the spouse and minor or dependent children while on witness duty.

While the current law entitles the witness’ heirs to not less than P10,000 in benefits, Villanueva’s bill hopes to increase it to not less than P500,000.

The witness’ minor or dependent children would also be provided with educational assistance for primary, secondary, and tertiary education, but the tertiary should not exceed five years.

Senior Budget and Management specialist Merika Joanna Dela Pena from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), however, warned that “any increases in their compensation may have a budgetary implication and must be reviewed taking into consideration the fiscal position of the country.”

She said that the WPP, under the DOJ, was provided only a budget of P317 million for 2023, P266 million of which covers the confidential expenses intended for financial assistance, medical security protection, including temporary shelter or safehouse for witnesses and their family members.