Solon seeks protection, security for whistleblowers

MANILA, Philippines - A partylist representative on Wednesday lamented the country's lack of a legal framework for protection and security to whistleblowers. In a press statement, ARC party list Rep. Narciso Santiago III said failure of the government to provide ample protection to whistleblowers has exposed them to threats of retaliation, trial by publicity, outright miscarriage of justice, and even summary execution. To counter the stigma of ostracism and retaliation for speaking out on anomalies, Santiago said he filed House Bill 3809 in the Lower House seeks to establish a system of protection for whistleblowers to encourage informants to expose graft and corruption in government. A similar bill filed by Sen. Panfilo Lacson, Senate Bill 2040, is pending in the Senate and seeks to provide "protection, security and benefits" to whistleblowers. Santiago's bill provides that an employer cannot take any retaliatory action against an employee who discloses or testifies against his employer or co-employee about a violation of a law, rule or regulation. The same protection applies in cases where an employee is a licensed or certified health care professional that provides information or testifies before a public body investigating the quality of patient care. "Those who blow the whistle are often fired and become ostracized by friends and co-workers. They are accused of having grievances with their employers or trying to make a profit from their accusations," Santiago said. "The government needs a new institutional mechanism for integrity and accountability, and to avoid scandals and restore credibility in public service. The litmus test for such reforms is the government's treatment of whistleblowers," he added. Santiago's bill likewise ensures that public disclosures are made before proper public authorities. He argued this serves as a protection against inappropriate publication of unsubstantiated disclosures and vital records. According to him, there are cases where corrupt government officials and employees are emboldened to engage in nefarious activities as they have little fear of exposure or being caught and brought to justice. In contrast, Santiago said potential whistleblowers are discouraged, demoralized and dissuaded because they anticipate nothing but hardship when evaluating the effects of any disclosure. Such circumstances aggravate the worsening condition of graft and corruption in the country, he added. - GMANews.TV