Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla asserted that the application for the witness protection program (WPP) is not automatic and needs intensive evaluation to verify whether an individual is telling the truth.
In an episode of DZRH Executive Session on Saturday, September 20, Remulla discussed the two types of witnesses that the agency would be evaluating.
"Dalawa kasi klaseng testigo 'yan. 'Yung isang testigo, 'yung nakakita ng krimen. Nakakita o kaya naging biktima, magiging testigo sa korte...Kaya tinawag na witness protection. Para hindi matatakot, hindi tatakutin at hindi matatakot na magsalita," he explained.
Meanwhile, the second type of witness falls under the classification of a state witness. Remulla clarified that state witnesses are part of the crime, but are, however, not the “most guilty” out of all the suspects.
A state witness’ testimony is crucial for building the case. Despite this, Remulla reminded that applications for such positions would not mean automatic approval.
"Kailangan i-evaluate ka muna. Kailangan makita na muna namin, unang-una, kung nagsasabi ka ng totoo..walang automatic dyan,” he highlighted.
"May requirements pa 'yan. Kinakailangan mag-execute ka ng sworn statement. At pangalawa, kailangan mag-memorandum for agreement ka sa programa, with the witness protection program," he added, further stating that the DOJ expects more individuals would apply as state witnesses in the coming weeks.
On Sally Santos
Senator JV Ejercito pointed out that this was also the reason why they recommended SYMS Construction Trading owner Sally Santos to be placed under the witness protection program.
Although Santos was involved in several ghost projects, Ejercito stressed that Santos revealed vital information about the modus operandi run by former DPWH Bulacan 1st district assistant engineer Brice Hernandez and engineer Henry Alcantara.
"Kaya ang in-endorse namin si Sally Santos, although siya yung gumawa ng maraming ghost projects dahil lisensya niya. Bagamat siya'y kasama sa krimen, ay in-endorse natin sa witness protection kasi vital 'yung kanyang mga sinasabi," he explained.
Adding to Ejercito’s statement, Remulla said, "Ang prinsipyo natin dito, tyaka ito ang gusto ng ating taumbayan. I mean natural ito eh. The higher up in the food chain, the better.”
