Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 13) — At least two senators want to increase the compensation for victims of unjust imprisonment or those who were found to be innocent after spending time in jail.
Under Republic Act No. 7309, enacted in 1992, victims may file for compensation of up to ₱1,000 for every month of unjust imprisonment or detention. The maximum amount is just ₱10,000, covering only a ten-month period.
Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva has filed a bill seeking to raise the monthly compensation up to ₱5,000 and to expand the overall threshold to ₱300,000.
“Tapos, mag-establish man lang tayo ng trust fund. Kasi hanggang ngayon wala rin pong trust fund para sa mga wrongfully accused,” Villanueva said during his interpellation on the privilege speech of Senator Raffy Tulfo.
[Translation: Then let us once and for all establish a trust fund. Because until now we do not have a trust fund for the wrongfully accused.]
In his speech, Tulfo denounced abuses committed by arresting police officers, including the planting of evidence to pin down innocent people.
Responding to Villanueva’s proposal, Tulfo said the compensation should be based on either the minimum wage or the salary received by the victim prior to detention. Villanueva said he’s amenable to this. He also wants the period for filing of claims extended from six months to one year.
Citing data from the Public Attorney’s Office, Tulfo said there have been 13,164 acquittals since June.
“That’s an average of 2,194 per month. Ibig sabihin po nito 2,194 na inosenteng tao ang inakusahan at nilitis kahit wala silang kasalanan. Masyado po malaki ang numero na ito,” Tulfo said.
[Translation: That’s an average of 2,194 per month. That means 2,194 innocent individuals accused and tried despite having no offense. This is such a huge number.]
“Siguro panahon na po para tingnan kung kailangan na itaas ang quantum of evidence na kailangan para masampahan ng kasong criminal. Sa ngayon po ay simpleng probable cause lang kaya bigay hilig ang mga piskal na magsampa ng kaso kaliwa’t kanan,” he added.
[Translation: It may be time to raise the quantum of evidence required for the filing of criminal cases. As of now, simple probable cause is enough that’s why fiscals file cases left and right.]
