MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - The Philippine government on Sunday assured protection for all witnesses who have, and are willing to, come forward to shed light on alleged anomalies in the Armed Forces.

"In line with this investigation, we promise that we will protect all the witnesses who will be willing to shed truth on the matter....We will help all those who want to expose irregularities. That's why the budget of the Witness Protection Program (WPP) has been increased," Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said in an interview with the state-run DZRB Radio Station.

He said it "is very evident that people are coming forward more willingly" as "they see a commitment on the part of the national government, on the part of the personal leadership of President Benigno Aquino, to tread the straight path."

"This is a commitment that has been made, and we intend to deliver on that promise that we will continue to take the narrow path, the straight road and we urge everyone to join on this straight path and we will protect them with the best resources of government," Lacierda said.

When asked, Lacierda said he believes that the exposure on the alleged misuse of portions of US military assistance to the Philippines, through the PHL-US Balikatan exercises, would not deter future assistance as the Aquino administration is committed to fighting corruption.

"This did not happen in our watch. The fact that we are willing to be held accountable is something that the U.S. grant should considerthat we are open to make sure that these corrupt practices will not fester in this administration in the secretaryship of Secretary Voltz Gazmin," he said.

He added that the Department of National Defense and the Department of Justice are jointly working to find out how this happened.