Manila: Senator Erwin Tulfo has filed a bill seeking to increase the compensation for individuals who were wrongfully detained under the 33-year-old Republic Act (RA) 7309, which established the Board of Claims.

According to Philippines News Agency, Tulfo proposed that the Department of Justice's Board of Claims raise indemnification for those wrongfully detained and imprisoned from PHP1,000 to PHP10,000. For special cases, the proposal includes an increase from the current PHP10,000 to PHP50,000 or more, depending on the claimant's request based on expenses incurred for hospitalization, medical treatment, loss of wage, loss of support, or related injuries, whichever amount is higher.

Tulfo emphasized the importance of this measure by stating, "While no amount of money can repay the time lost from these victims of wrongful detention, we are pushing for a more humane process to make justice more accessible, compassionate, and equitable." The proposed measure also seeks to extend the period for filing claims from the current six months to one year after the person's release from prison, and to allow filing through representatives.