Press Release
September 6, 2007

ESCUDERO WANTS A REVISIT OF
THE WITNESS PROTECTION PROGRAM

Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero is seeking to re-examine the government's witness protection program after several human rights groups and individuals expressed skepticism about the adequacy and effectiveness of the said Department of Justice (DOJ) sponsored program.

In Senate Resolution No. 124 he filed, the opposition senator wants the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights, which he incidentally chairs, to conduct an inquiry into the efficacy and efficiency of the witness protection program.

"Thousands and thousands of unresolved cases gather dust in our courts. Most of these cases share similar cause for being stalled in the courts, witnesses are not forthcoming."

Escudero said it is typical for a witness to be unwilling and reluctant to come forward for fear of reprisal even if a witness protection law exists in the country. "There is a general feeling of distrust from the public about the program and with that in view, the program must be reassessed and re-evaluated because it falls short in carrying out its purpose."

The Witness Protection, Security and Benefit Act or the Republic Act 6981 was enacted into law to encourage crime witnesses or those who have knowledge of a crime to surface.

Escudero said the recent spate of extra-judicial killings and involuntary disappearances allegedly perpetrated by elements or agents of the State has brought to fore the issue whether government-sponsored crime related policies such as the Witness Protection Program is still a viable option for victims and their witnesses to take or not.

"This is even made more valid by the fact that the Witness Protection Program is under the Department of Justice whose attached offices like the Office of the Solicitor General serve as counsels to the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police," Escudero said.

Escudero said a witness protection program should be insulated from any other government institutions that have in any way figured out in the crime being investigated to ensure that the case will not be compromised.

Instead of seeking refuge to the DOJ through the Witness Protection Program, witnesses of extrajudicial killings and families of the victims opt to seek protective custody from the Supreme Court.

His resolution will also examine if the rights and benefits of witnesses admitted to the program such as security protection and escort services, secured housing facility and livelihood assistance are judiciously afforded them by the government.

"We also want to find out how many cases have already been finished and if speedy hearings and trials are being carried out. Under the Witness Protection, Security and Benefit Act, the hearing or trial shall be completed within three months from the filing of the case," Escudero said.

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