New rules on claims for victims of violent crimes, unjust imprisonment

By Benjamin Pulta, Philippine News Agency

ENHANCED RULES. Department of Justice officials led by Undersecretary Raul Vasquez show copies of the revised implementing rules and rules of the of the Board of Claims for victims of unjust imprisonment and victims of violent crimes at the DOJ building in Manila on Thursday (May 15, 2025). The new rules broaden the scope of crimes and beneficiaries covered within the law while streamlining the process of claims for victims of unjust imprisonment/detention and other forms of injustices attuned to the demands of modern times. (PNA photo by Ben Pulta)

MANILA – The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Thursday announced the adoption of the revised implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Board of Claims (DOJ-BOC) for victims of unjust imprisonment and victims of violent crimes.

Justice officials said the need to fine tune the coverage of the program is long overdue as Republic Act No. 7309, which created the DOJ-BOC, was passed in 1992.

The revision in the IRR broadens the scope of crimes and beneficiaries covered within the law while streamlining the process of claims for victims of unjust imprisonment/detention and other forms of injustices attuned to the demands of modern times.

Under the DOJ-BOC’s Victims Compensation Program, among those qualified for compensation are those accused and detained and who were subsequently cleared on appeal; those unjustly detained without being charged; victims of forced detention by authorities; victims of violent crimes, involuntary disappearances, and online sexual abuse or exploitation of children; trafficked persons; and victims of torture.

A claimant or spouse, child, parent or sibling must file a claim with the DOJ or the nearest regional, provincial or city prosecutor within six months after being freed from detention or from the date where the crime or injury was experienced.

“Those whose lives were disrupted, freedoms taken and security violated would have a mechanism that adopts, listens and responds to their evolving needs,” Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said in a message read by Undersecretary Raul Vasquez at the DOJ building in Manila.

“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,” Remulla said.

The signing of the IRR coincides with the 33rd Anniversary of the BOC which marks this ceremonial signing as a milestone in the DOJ’s relentless pursuit for justice.