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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DOJ to seek amendments to law on compensation for unjust imprisonment, victims of heinous crimes

DOJ to seek amendments to law on compensation for unjust imprisonment, victims of heinous crimes

Published Jan 23, 2026 03:14 pm
The Department of Justice (DOJ) will seek amendments to the law that provides financial compensation to persons who are victims of unjust imprisonment and violent crimes.
The plan was revealed by DOJ Undersecretary Deo L. Marco during the third day of the Second National Decongestion Summit at the Manila Hotel.
Marco emphasized the need to amend Republic Act No. 7309, the 1992 law that created the Board of Claims under the DOJ for victims of unjust imprisonment or detention and victims of violent crimes.
He said that under RA 7309, “the maximum amount for which the Board may approve a claim shall not exceed Ten thousand pesos (P10,000.00) or the amount necessary to reimburse the claimant the expenses incurred for hospitalization, medical treatment, loss of wage, loss of support or other expenses directly related to the injury, whichever is lower.”
He pointed out that the amount specified in the law “is too low for those who are acquitted of criminal offenses.”
“That’s why we need the help of the legislative branch here,” he stressed.
Through the Manila Hotel summit “we are able to reach out to them and makikita nila ‘yung ganito na problema (they will be able to see these problems).”
The Manila Hotel summit is spearheaded by the Supreme Court (SC), the DOJ, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government.
The summit, which ends today, Jan. 23, tackled previous efforts taken by the government and plans to improve further the decongestion of jail and prison facilities in the country.
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