Senator Erwin Tulfo has filed a bill seeking to increase compensation for victims of wrongful detention or imprisonment, from the current P1,000 to P10,000 per day, through the Department of Justice’s Board of Claims.
In special cases, the maximum payout would rise from P10,000 to P50,000 or the actual cost of hospitalization, lost wages, and related damages—whichever is higher.
“While no amount of money can repay the time lost from these victims of wrongful detention, we are pushing for a more humane process to make justice more accessible, compassionate, and equitable,” said Tulfo.
The bill seeks to amend Republic Act 7309, enacted 33 years ago. It also proposes distinguish between those wrongfully detained and those wrongfully imprisoned; extend the claim period from 6 months to 1 year after release; and allow representatives to file on behalf of the victims.
The measure would benefit individuals like 81-year-old Prudencio Calubid Jr., recently ordered released by the Court of Appeals after being wrongly identified as an NPA leader.IMT
