DOJ Affirms State Witness Status Unchanged After Sandiganbayan Testimony
The Department of Justice has issued a clarification stating that the state witness status of former Department of Public Works and Highways Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo will not be impacted following his recent appearance at a hearing in the Sandiganbayan. According to Justice Spokesperson Atty. Polo Martinez, Bernardo's admission of allegedly receiving a 'balato' or kickback from former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co does not have an immediate or direct effect on his standing within the Witness Protection Program.
Basis for Witness Protection Program Decisions
Martinez emphasized that any modifications to admissions in the program are based solely on the affidavits submitted by the witnesses. Therefore, any statements made by state witness Roberto Bernardo or others under the Witness Protection Program will only be considered once they are formally filed with the office. He added that hearings for preliminary investigations or program processes are limited to the narratives presented or gathered in the case.
These are the only elements that officials or those handling the complaint can review regarding the allegations against individuals involved in anomalous flood control projects. The spokesperson further clarified that applications to become a state witness are specific to particular projects or situations, meaning Bernardo's testimony in other courts, especially outside the proceedings of the Witness Protection Program, will not affect his status.
Context of the Clarification
This clarification from the DOJ comes after Bernardo testified at the Sandiganbayan and admitted that he was allegedly given P130 million by former Rep. Zaldy Co as a kickback related to government projects. The department's statement aims to maintain the integrity of the Witness Protection Program while ensuring that legal processes proceed without unnecessary interference.
