Guidelines for Decongesting Holding Jails by Enforcing the Rights of Accused Persons to Bail and to Speedy Trial

Section 1

is the monetary assistance given to witnesses for their subsistence in such amount as may be determined by the Program. Only witnesses who suffer economic dislocation by reason of his relocation for security or safety reasons, or inability to earn for daily subsistence as a consequence of his admission to the Program, shall be entitled to financial assistance.

Section 2

is the monetary assistance given to an economically dislocated witness for their minor children not exceeding four (4) in number.

Section 3

is the monetary assistance given to a witness for medical treatment, hospitalization and medicines for injury or illness incurred or suffered by him while performing witness duties.

Section 4

The Program may provide the following security protection: a. Round-the-clock security protection, for witnesses and their family members, within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity, staying in the Program's temporary shelter or safehouse; b. Security protection while performing witness duty only, for relocated witness or those outside the Program's temporary shelter or safehouse; and c. Limited security protection while not performing witness duty, for relocated witnesses or those outside the Program's temporary shelter or safehouse. Limited security protection may take the form of security monitoring of the witnesses and/or endorsement or coordination with law enforcement agencies concerning the security and safety of the witnesses.

Section 5

is the assistance provided to the witness in obtaining a means of livelihood, which may include skills training, employment, or assistance for any employment or business opportunities.

Section 6

is the relocation or monetary assistance, in an amount determined by the Program, given to a witness whose coverage is terminated without his fault.

Section 7

Witnesses are primarily responsible for the education of their children. However, if the witness becomes incapacitated or is killed due to witness duty, his dependent children shall be entitled to educational assistance as may be determined by the Program.

Section 8

In case the witness is killed while performing witness duty, his heirs shall be entitled to burial benefits as may be determined by the Program.

Section 9

The personal identity of the witness may be changed as may be provided by law. A witness may waive, in writing, any of his benefits under R.A. No. 6981, such as, but not limited to, financial assistance, temporary shelter and security protection. A waiver absolves the Program completely of whatever responsibility it may have over the witness' safety and security.