By Genesis Gabriel P. Baculbas | PTV DMIS intern
The Department of Justice – Board of Claims (DOJ-BOC) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) have joined forces to streamline the processing of compensation for child victims of violent crimes, in line with Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla’s mission for “Compassionate Justice for All”.
A memorandum of agreement (MOA) was signed Tuesday between DOJ Undersecretary-in-Charge for the BOC Deo Marco and DSWD Usec. Monina Josefina Romualdez to strengthen the referral and assistance system for child victims housed in DSWD’s Residential Care Facilities.
Under Republic Act No. 7309, the DOJ-BOC is tasked to compensate victims of unjust imprisonment, wrongful conviction, and violent crimes among others. The newly-signed MOA ensures that the DOJ-BOC will provide compensation to child victims affected by various forms of injustices, including online sexual abuse, rape, torture, human trafficking, and enforced disappearance.
Romualdez said, echoing the remarks of DSWD Sec. Rex Gatchalian, “By providing compensation, we will be able to help the [child]-victims to address their medical, psychological, educational, and social needs, among others. It also serves as a symbol that our society is one with child-victims in their journey to overcome the hardships that they endured.”
As per the agreement, the DOJ-BOC will evaluate claims referred by the DSWD to the Victim Compensation Program (VCP), providing monetary compensation to qualified beneficiaries to support their recovery.
“This advances our shared objective of delivering holistic justice that does not end in the prosecution of offenders but extends to the healing and rehabilitation of victims,” Marco stated.
Through these comprehensive efforts, the agency strives to create a more equitable legal landscape where every child, regardless of their background, can navigate the justice system with confidence and support.
“May this partnership inspire meaningful outcomes, foster innovative solutions, and strengthen our collective efforts in providing the highest quality of care and support to children under the care and custody of DSWD-managed centers,” Sulit noted.
-bjlc / av
