Critical Study on the Effectiveness of the Witness Protection Program

Abstract

Coming out is a daunting thing for the witnesses. The only thing holding the witnesses back is the assurance of their safety and their families as well. It's not easy for them especially if they believe that the perpetrators of the crime are government men. In 1991, the Witness Protection Program was a welcome relief for witnesses. It bestows them an institution that will cater to their needs and at the same time assure their presence in courts so that the criminal prosecution of heinous crimes must proceed. Through the years, the WPP had successfully relocated some of the witnesses to ensure their safety and had helped secure convictions in "high-profile cases." Among them were the cases of former Zamboanga del Norte Congressman Romeo Jalosjos, Calauan Mayor Antonio Sanchez, Maureen Hultman, Rolito Go, Stephen Wisehunt, Mma Diones and the Chiong sisters in Cebu. However, there is the impediment concerning the imminent lack of Rinds. Although there was an increase in the budget allocated for witness protection program last year, this is still limited considering there are five hundred forty-seven (547) witnesses in the program, the intelligence and counter-intelligence operations cost, administrative costs, wages of security escorts, maintenance of safe houses, and other perks deemed necessary for the protection of witnesses. The claim of the WPP administrators that they are 100% effective in protecting the witnesses may be contested for the program is also haunted by allegations of irregularities and anomalous practices. This was seen in the cases of the Kuratong Baleleng witnesses, "Sonia" and the witnesses of the Damalerio slay. They accused that the persons who should supposedly protect them are the first who molest and assail them. One of the witnesses, "Manuel" says, "They are afraid that the officials handling the Witness Protection Program are just in cahoots with the perpetrators." Using the indicators discussed in Chapter 6, the Witness Protection Program is indeed effective at present time in protecting the witnesses, physical safety. As the years pass by, the program was able to cure its ineffectiveness to provide safety to its witnesses as purported by the present witnesses served by the program. The program was able to shield them from their "enemies." However, the program is ineffective in protecting the emotional and social well-being of the witness. Attached with their responsibility of testifying is the restricted freedom. They would be robbed of a normal life. Theirs is a life constantly hiding. Their every movement is always guarded. Hence, their situation is similar to that of a prisoner. Their children won't be able to live also a normal childhood.