The Department of Justice (DOJ) Region 3 has reported that nearly 400 claimants in the region alone have pending applications under the agency’s Victims Compensation Program.
This information was shared during Episode 14 of the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas, hosted by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) – Gitnang Luzon, on August 27, 2024, at the DOJ Social Hall, Regional Prosecutor’s Office, in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga.
The episode, hosted by PIA Regional Director William Beltran and supported by Deputy Regional Director Carlo Lorenzo Datu, Information Officer Jag Lyra, and Media Productions Officer Aldrin Joshua Mallari, featured key resource persons including Atty. Jesus Simbulan, Regional Prosecutor of the National Prosecution Service (NPS) – DOJ; Atty. Jan Steven Dunuan, Regional Public Attorney of the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO); Atty. Lorna Dee, Regional Director of the Land Registration Authority (LRA); and Regional Director Marissa Alquetra of the Parole and Probation Administration (PPA).
Simbulan explained that the Victims Compensation Program, established under Republic Act No. 7309, created the Board of Claims under the DOJ. This law provides compensation for victims of unjust imprisonment, detention, and violent crimes. Eligible applicants include those unjustly accused, convicted, and imprisoned but later acquitted; those unjustly detained and released without charges; and victims of violent crimes such as rape or crimes resulting in death, serious injury, or psychological trauma.
He also noted that claims must be filed within six months after release from imprisonment or detention, or from the date of injury. The application process involves submitting a form to the Board of Claims Secretariat at the DOJ, located at Padre Faura Street, Ermita, Manila. Compensation for victims of unjust imprisonment is based on the number of months of imprisonment, with a maximum of P1,000 per month. For other cases, the maximum compensation is P10,000, or the amount necessary to reimburse the claimant for expenses such as hospitalization, medical treatment, loss of wages, or other related costs.
Simbulan emphasized the importance of thoroughly scrutinizing evidence and circumstances before filing a case to prevent wrongful convictions. This meticulous process aims to ensure accuracy and justice.
The law, which took effect on April 14, 1992, provides an administrative procedure for victims to file claims, bypassing lengthy judicial processes. A pending bill in Congress seeks to increase compensation amounts; however, Simbulan highlighted that no amount of money can fully compensate for the suffering endured by those wrongly accused. The compensation is intended to assist victims in starting over.
Under Republic Act No. 7309, Board of Claims decisions can be appealed. Section 8 of the law allows any aggrieved claimant to appeal the Board’s resolution to the Secretary of Justice within fifteen days of receiving the decision. The Secretary’s decision is final and executory.