MANILA, Philippines— The Senate has passed on third and final reading Senate Bill No. 2920, a measure seeking to strengthen legal and financial support for Filipinos who have been wrongfully convicted or unlawfully detained.

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III said the proposal aims to amend Republic Act No. 7309, which created the Board of Claims under the Department of Justice (DOJ). 

The bill expands the scope of eligible claimants and substantially increases compensation for victims.

“The time has come to modernize and expand Republic Act No. 7309 in the spirit of fairness, generosity, and justice,” Pimentel said.

• The measure provides relief to individuals who were:
• Wrongfully accused, convicted, and later acquitted
• Detained and released without being charged
• Subjected to arbitrary or illegal detention
• Victims of violent crimes

Key provisions of Senate Bill No. 2920

Once enacted, the law will:

• compensation for victims of wrongful imprisonment or detention from P1,000 to P10,000 per month.
• Increase the maximum financial assistance from P10,000 to P50,000, or an amount covering hospitalization, medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages, whichever is higher.
• Extend the filing period for claims from six months to one year after release or from the date of injury or damage.
• Allow remote filing of claims, subject to the Board of Claims’ regulations.

Pimentel said that the measure upholds the constitutional guarantee of due process and strengthens protections against wrongful prosecution and illegal detention.

“As a nation, we must reaffirm that we are governed by laws, not by the whims of individuals. We are not a monarchy ruled by a tyrant, nor a penal colony that disregards the rights of those in its custody,” he said.

Following the Senate’s approval, the bill will now be forwarded to the House of Representatives for further deliberation. 

If enacted, it will enhance the government’s Victims’ Compensation Program, ensuring just restitution for those deprived of their liberty without due cause.