Senator Bam Aquino said individuals seeking protection under the Witness Protection Program (WPP) or wanting to become state witnesses should first return stolen public funds.
At a Senate Blue Ribbon hearing on anomalous flood control projects, Aquino asked the DOJ if restitution could be made a condition for entry into the program.
The senator stressed that Filipinos expect stolen money to be recovered, especially if suspects are allowed to testify for the government.
Justice Secretary Crispin Remulla explained that while only courts can order restitution, the DOJ sees it as a test of good faith for potential witnesses.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) confirmed it is investigating contractors linked to bid rigging in flood control projects. PCC officials said evidence such as bid documents and testimonies from Senate hearings could be used to file cases.
Erring contractors and officials may face fines of P110 million to P250 million per incident.
Aquino earlier urged the filing of cases under the Philippine Competition Act to recover billions in public funds lost to rigged projects.IMT
