JUSTICE Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II on Friday said Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman Andres Bautista's estranged wife, Patricia, has been given provisional coverage under Witness Protection Program (WPP) of the Department of Justice (DOJ).
At a press conference, Aguirre announced that he has signed a certificate admitting Patricia to the provisional coverage of the WPP.
Patricia, the whistleblower that divulged before the public her husband's alleged ill-gotten wealth that would reach P1 billion, personally went to the DOJ to seek admission to the program.
The DOJ chief said Patricia will only be under the provisional coverage temporarily as she waits for the processing of her request to be given full coverage under the program.
Aguirre pointed out that she will have to execute first an affidavit, the major requirement before one gets admitted to the WPP, and a Memorandum of Agreement before she is provided with actual protection.
The Justice Secretary said the provisional admission of Patricia into the WPP was made in consideration of her "safety and security" as a potential witness into the tax evasion, corruption, and other charges that are yet to be filed against her husband.
Aguirre divulged that even before, he has already heard that there are threats to Patricia's life.
"Noon pa man, may nagsasabi at yan ay pinaabot sa amin na yung kaniyang security and protection e kailangang kailangan niya," Aguirre said.
Patricia, when asked, said she can't comment on the issue as of now but averred, "I think my coming here validates the need [for security]."
Once admitted to the WPP, privileges that will be given includes a housing facility that will be extended to her family, financial assistance, assistance in obtaining means of livelihood, medical and travel expenses and payment equivalent to salary as compensation for work absences.
Aguirre said, since Patricia owns a house, she will only be provided security as of now.
Patricia earlier disclosed that her husband has underdeclared his assets for 2016 as seen in his Statement of Assets Liabilities and Networth.
She said her husband owns 35 bank accounts at the Luzon Development Bank, offshore accounts, posh condominium units in Taguig and other properties local and abroad.
The NBI, tasked to probe her allegations about her husband's alleged undeclared wealth has yet to release its findings next week according to the DOJ chief. (SunStar Philippines)