Why witnesses under gov’t protection ‘enjoy’ program

MANILA, Philippines – With free meals, allowance, and a secured place, it’s no wonder that many of the witnesses under government protection are “enjoying” it so much so that some of them have chosen to stay in the program for 10 years, an official told a Senate hearing on Thursday.

Martin Menez, director of the Witness Protection Program (WPP), told the Senate finance sub-committee that the number of witnesses under the program has been increasing and is now at 575 as of September.

“Baka nag e-enjoy na sila dahil may pagkain, may bahay?” asked Senator Loren Legarda, who presided over the hearing.

(Maybe that’s why they’re enjoying because there’s food and a home?)

“To tell you the truth, many of them are enjoying their stay in the WPP,” Menez said.

Legarda then asked what the longest time was for a witness that stayed under the WPP, Menez said, “It depends on the case, and it depends on whether the threats still exist even if the case is already terminated.”

“Even if the witness has already finished his testimony but if the threats exist, we continue to cover the witness. So we have a witness who has been with the program for 8 years, 10 years,” he added.

While under the program, Menez said, a witness may opt to bring his family with her.

“We also provide them with livelihood assistance. Sometimes we have projects where these witnesses can participate. Right now, we have candle making,” he said.

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