Penal code revision pushed in Senate

CEBU, Philippines – Senate President Franklin Drilon is seeking to amend the over 80-year-old penal code of the country to help decongest the jail facilities nationwide.

Drilon said that one of the reasons why there is congestion in jail facilities is that people are convicted and imprisoned for unreasonably long period of time.

“This is because we have not adjusted the value of the money to its present value,” said Drilon.

He recently filed Senate Bill No. 2680 seeking to amend the Revised Penal Code which was enacted in 1930.

The bill seeks to adjust the penalties imposed in determining criminal liability for various crimes under the penal code.

“We will adjust all the amounts to update it so that the penalty does not become oppressive,” Drilon said.

Drilon said that his proposed bill will raise the fines for various crimes to serve as deterrent. He added that the proposed measure will ensure that the fines imposed are proportionate to the crime being committed.

“The Senate will try its best to pass the amendment as soon as possible,” Drilon added.

Drilon was in Cebu yesterday to stand as one of the principal sponsors in the wedding of Cebu 6th district Representative Gabriel Luis “Luigi” Quisumbing and Maricar Holifena. — (FREEMAN)