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It is a program established under Republic Act No. 6981, "The Witness Protection,
Security and Benefit Act", which seeks to encourage a person who has witnessed or
has knowledge of the commission of a crime to testify before a court or quasi-
judicial body, or before an investigating authority, by protecting him from reprisals
and from economic dislocation.
4. if the applicant is a law enforcement officer even if he will testify against other
law enforcement officers. The immediate members of the applicant may,
however, be admitted into the program.
How is a person admitted to the Program?
The person in danger or his or her family may get an application form from the
Secretariat, Witness Protection Security and Benefit Program. This is at the
Department of Justice building in Padre Faura, Manila. The applicant may also get
the form from the nearest Regional State Prosecutor. The proceedings involving the
application for admission, the action taken thereon and the information or
documents submitted in support of the application are confidential. They cannot be
released without the written order of the Department of Justice or the proper court.
Free medical treatment, hospitalization and medicine for any injury or illness
incurred or suffered while acting as a witness.
Burial benefits of not less than Ten Thousand pesos (P10,000.00) if the witness
is killed because of his participation in the Program.
Free education from primary to college level for the minor or dependent
children of a witness who dies or is permanently incapacitated.
A witness is discharged -
1. when he has already testified or has completed his witness duty;
What benefits are given to a witness who is honorably discharged from the
Program?
After being honorably discharged as a witness, he and any member of his family
within the second civil degree of consanguinity or affinity may be relocated in an
area where he will be safe and/or given a new personal identity. He may also be
given one-time financial assistance for his support and that of his family.
1) What law seeks to encourage a person who has witnessed or has knowledge of
the commission of a crime to testify before a court or quasi-judicial body, or
before an investigating authority, by protecting him from reprisals and from
economic dislocation?
2) Give at least five (5) benefits that a witness under the Witness Protection
Program may receive?
Answer:
1) Security protection and escort services.
2) Immunity from criminal prosecution and not to be subjected to any penalty
or forfeiture for any transaction, matter or thing concerning his compelled
testimony or books, documents or writings produced.
3) Secure housing facility.
4) Assistance in obtaining a means of livelihood.
5) Reasonable travelling expenses and subsistence allowance while acting as a
witness.
6) Free medical treatment, hospitalization and medicine for any injury or illness
incurred or suffered while acting as a witness.
7) Burial benefits of not less than Ten Thousand pesos (P10,000.00) if the
witness is killed because of his participation in the Program.
8) Free education from primary to college level for the minor or dependent
children of a witness who dies or is permanently incapacitated.
9) Non-removal or demotion in work because of absences due to his being a
witness and payment of full salary or wage while acting as witness.