Press Release
August 19, 2009

FOR WHISTLEBLOWERS, WITNESS PROTECTION PROGRAM

CHIZ SEES SENATE OKAY OF REWARDS

After the speedy approval of the anti-torture bill in the bicameral committee conference this week, opposition Sen. Chiz Escudero yesterday said he will now focus his efforts in getting the Senate to pass two measures aimed at curbing corruption in government.

In a statement, Escudero said that now up for approval on third reading are measures that would empower both houses of Congress to craft its own witness protection program and set up a reward system for whistleblowers on grafters in government.

"These two measures will further deter the commission of graft and corruption in government and will reward those who risk everything to testify against thieves plying their trade in the corridors of power," said Escudero who co-authored both bills.

The proposed Whistleblowers Act sets up a reward system for those who will step forward and expose graft and corruption in government.

The highest reward is P5 million if the testimony of the whistleblower involves a public official with a salary grade of 33. The reward ranges from P50,000 to P5 million, depending on the salary grade of the official involved, which is from SG 1 to 33.

"All forms of graft and corruption punishable under our laws are included in this measure,' Escudero said. "Aside from the reward, the whistleblower will be entitled to other benefits such as protection and security. They can move forward and begin anew," he said.

Escudero said under the bill, the Office of the Ombudsman shall institute a "Whistleblower's Program" in order to carry out the intent of the law.

The current witness protection law, on the other hand, empowers only the Department of Justice to undertake the program, he said.

The proposed amendment seeks to allow both houses of Congress to establish their own solely for witnesses or resource persons in congressional investigations in aid of legislation, Escudero explained.

"The cases of Rodolfo "Jun" Lozada, Sandra Cam, Michaelangelo Zuce and many others who have come forward and disclosed what they know of alleged wrongdoing in the government show the limitations of the current law," Escudero said.

Under the proposed measure, the Senate and the House can promulgate their own rules in implementing their respective Witness Protection, Security and Benefits Program for qualified witnesses.

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