As the Senate continues with its budget deliberations for the 2023 national budget, Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel made a proposal where an increase in the allocation for the DOJ’s WPSBP may be crucial and necessary.
MANILA, Philippines — It will be better, if not best, if the government will consistently increase the budget for the Department of Justice (DOJ)’s Witness Protection, Security and Benefit Program (WPSBP) so as to encourage more witnesses to testify against criminal masterminds, according to a lawmaker.
As the Senate continues with its budget deliberations for the 2023 national budget, Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel made a proposal where an increase in the allocation for the DOJ’s WPSBP may be crucial and necessary.
The WPSBP has an allocation of only P238 million in the proposed 2023 General Appropriations Act.
The WPSBP “seems to be working well,” but the program must be supported with greater funding so that it can extend highly improved financial, relocation and livelihood assistance to witnesses, according to Pimentel, citing the case of slain journalist Percival Mabasa, also known as Percy Lapid.
“This way, we can encourage more witnesses to cooperate in law enforcement investigations and judicial proceedings without fearing not only reprisals, but also economic dislocation,” Pimentel said, noting the roller-coaster ride developments in the case.
“We also want the WPSBP to establish additional safe houses to accommodate witnesses and, if...
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