Tulfo files bill to raise compensation for wrongful detention

Sen. Erwin Tulfo has filed Senate Bill No. 597 to increase compensation for victims of wrongful detention and imprisonment in the Philippines.

The bill proposes raising the current PHP1,000 compensation to up to PHP10,000 under RA 7309, which established the Board of Claims within the Department of Justice.

For special cases, the proposed measure seeks to hike the maximum compensation from PHP10,000 to PHP50,000 or depending on the claimant's request based on expenses incurred for hospitalization, medical treatment, loss of wage, loss of support, or related injuries.

The bill also aims to extend the filing period for claims from six months to one year after release and allow filing through representatives.

Tulfo emphasized that while no amount can repay lost time, the measure seeks a more humane process to make justice more accessible, compassionate, and equitable.