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Daphne Galvez - The Philippine Star
May 16, 2025 | 12:00am
This photo shows the Department of Justice office in Faura, Manila.
Philstar.com / File photo
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) has expanded the coverage of compensation for victims of unjust imprisonment, detention and heinous crimes, to include victims of involuntary disappearance and their immediate families.
The DOJ led the signing yesterday of the revised implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act 7309, which establishes the Board of Claims (BOC) that handles claims for compensation from individuals found unjustly imprisoned or detained, victimized by violent crimes. The BOC is under the DOJ.
The revised IRR was signed by DOJ Undersecretary Raul Vasquez. The ceremony coincided with the BOC’s 33rd founding anniversary. Also covered under the new IRR are guardians or representatives of minor victims as well as those authorized through a special power of attorney.
“Those whose lives were disrupted, freedoms taken and security violated would have a mechanism that adopts, listens and responds to their evolving needs,” said Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla in a statement.
“The collective efforts towards the effective implementation of RA 7309 ensures that compensation processes are more transparent and inclusive consistent with the DOJ’s mantra of providing real justice in real time,” he added.
Previously, violent crimes consisted of rape and offenses committed with malice which resulted in death or serious physical and/or psychological injuries, permanent incapacity or disability, insanity, abortion, serious trauma, or committed with torture, cruelty or barbarity.
Under the new IRR, considered as violent crimes were sexual abuse under RA 7610, the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act, as amended; trafficking in persons under RA 9208, the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003; online sexual abuse or exploitation of children (OSAEC); and child sexual abuse or exploitation materials (CSAEM).
The DOJ also said the new IRR streamlined the process of claims for victims “attuned to the demands of modern times.”
Vasquez said the signing of the revised IRR “signifies the DOJ’s resolve in upholding the dignity and rights of victims of unjust imprisonment and detention, and victims of violent crimes and support those whose lives were disrupted, freedoms taken, and security violated would have mechanism that adapts and responds to their evolving needs.”
“We, therefore, cannot allow ourselves and society in general, to be indifferent to the victims of crimes and criminals, especially in instances where the persons accused and imprisoned are subsequently acquitted by the force,” he said.
The documents claimants need to bring to the DOJ’s BOC include the resolution on inquest/preliminary investigation, police report, medical certificate, valid government-issued ID, and barangay certificate of residency.
Upon the approval of their claims, victims of unjust imprisonment or detention are entitled to a compensation of up to P1,000 monthly for the number of months for imprisonment or detention.
In other cases, such as for the victims of violent crimes, the maximum amount the board could release for a claimant should not exceed P10,000.
Based on the revised IRR, the BOC will provide qualified claimants direct access to financial compensation through any government depository banks or those authorized to hold government deposits.
The DOJ also said it adopted digital payment systems as one of the options for receiving financial assistance.
