Manila: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) have collaborated to create a referral system aimed at providing monetary compensation to child victims of violent crimes. These children, currently under the care of the DSWD's Residential Care Facilities (RCFs), will benefit from a memorandum of agreement signed by the two departments.

According to Philippines News Agency, the agreement was formalized by Undersecretary Monina Josefina Romualdez of the DSWD's Operations Group and Undersecretary Deo Marco of the DOJ Board of Claims (DOJ-BOC). This collaboration is rooted in Republic Act (RA) 7309, which mandates compensation for victims of unjust imprisonment, wrongful conviction, and violent crimes.

The agreement enables the DSWD to facilitate the referral of child victims to the DOJ's Victim Compensation Program (VCP). The VCP is designed to provide financial compensation to victims of violent crimes, aiming to partially recompense for the impact of lawlessness and injustice on their lives.

The DOJ-BOC is tasked with evaluating and processing claims submitted by the DSWD and referring cases outside the scope of RA 7309 back to the DSWD. The agreement targets child victims of various crimes, including rape, torture, trafficking, and online sexual abuse and exploitation.

DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian emphasized that the compensation system is intended to restore hope for child victims. He highlighted that the financial support would help address their medical, psychological, educational, and social needs, serving as a societal symbol of support for their recovery.

Gatchalian also stated that providing compensation is a vital step toward restorative justice, ensuring that child victims receive comprehensive support for healing and reintegration. DOJ Undersecretary Marco commented that the system represents a joint effort by the DOJ and DSWD to deliver holistic justice, extending beyond prosecution to include victim rehabilitation.

The event was attended by other key officials, including Undersecretary Adonis Sulit of the DSWD Policy and Plans Group, Assistant Secretary Ada Colico of the DSWD's Protective Programs, Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon, and Senior Deputy State Prosecutor and BOC Chairperson Miguel Gudio Jr.