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To Increase Convictions: Prescriptive Period To File Cases Against Grafters and Corruptors Must Be 30 Years – Legarda
September 14, 2010
Senator Loren Legarda proposed increasing the prescriptive period for filing cases against grafters and corruptors to as long as 30 years so as not to afford them to escape criminal liability by mere technicality, i.e., prescription of offense.
"A 15 year prescriptive period is provided under Sec. 11 of the existing law, Republic Act No. 3019 otherwise known as the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act."
"I filed filed Senate Bill No. 1343 to allow the long arm of the law to catch up with those guilty of violating Republic Act No. 3019 and make them liable for their offenses."
Legarda said it would not be fair for the State and the people to allow any grafter or corruptor some kind of impunity only because of a limitation of the prescriptive period. We have to win more lawsuits against government officials accused of abuse and corruption.
"A study of the Sandiganbayan records in the last 30 years showed the present conviction rate of government prosecutors has steadily declined."
"In limiting the 10 year prescriptive period, R A 3019 somehow results in protecting the corrupt."
Legarda concluded, "Because of the apparent need to address graft and corruption in the country, the immediate passage of this proposed measure is earnestly requested."
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