BAYAWAN CITY - The City Council passed an ordinance giving incentives to informants and witnesses of any crime involving City Government officials and employees.

Under the incentives system, informants and witnesses, who can give information regarding the corruption offenses of any public official and employees, will be given P1,000 to P10,000 as reward.

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Bayawan Mayor German Sarana said the measure is in line with the policy of his administration in promoting good governance.

Vice Mayor Rene Gaudiel said the so-called "whistleblower ordinance" was inspired by ZTE-NBN witness Rodolfo "Jun" Lozada.

Gaudiel said witnesses or informants of offenses that fall under the provisions of the Revised Penal Code, may receive P100 to a maximum of P1,000 as reward.

The incentive package will depend on the type of information and the gravity of the offenses reported by the informant, Gaudiel added.

According to Gaudiel the ordinance protects the identity of the informants and the information given by them will be kept confidential.

He warned, however, that the information given by the informants should be correct or they may be charged with perjury for giving false testimonies.

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(December 28, 2008 issue)
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