The penalties for violating RA 6981 are the following:
1.) Violation of confidentiality of proceedings for application for witness protection: 1 to 6 years imprisonment and deprivation of the right to hold public office/employment for 5 years
2.) Witness giving false/evasive testimony: penalty for perjury
3. Witness fails/refuses to testify: contempt proceedings but the penalty is 1 month to 1 year imprisonment
4.) Harassment of witnesses: fine of up to Php3,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 6 months to 1 year (and if the harasser is a public official, perpetual disqualification from public office)
Harassment takes place when a witness is prevented, hindered or dissuaded from :
1.) Attending/testifying before a judicial, quasi-judicial or investigative body
2.) Reporting the commission/possible commission of a crime or a violation of conditions of parole, probation, or release pending judicial proceedings (a. k. a. Bail)
3.) Seeking the arrest of another person in connection with the crime in question
4.) Causing a criminal prosecution/proceeding for the revocation of parole or probation
I think the rule regarding harassment of witnesses penalties should be increased! A 3,000 pesos penalty is only a small amount to those usually rich offenders. By the way, I also found interesting source about Philippine laws here: ndvlaw.com.
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