MikeLigalig.com

By Lilybeth G. Ison

Amid the increasing incidents of carnapping in the country, especially in Metro Manila, lawmakers filed proposed measures that would impose stiffer penalties for the carnappers.

Malabon City Rep. Josephine Veronique Lacson-Noel filed House Bill No. 4033, to make the crime of carnapping a non-bailable offense.

The bill seeks to amend Section 13 and 14 of Republic Act No. 6593, known as the "Anti-Carnapping Act of 1972."

"Carnapping, by nature, is a dangerous, threatening crime. I consider it no different from other crimes that physically harm victims and other forms of theft. If we are able to hold alleged suspects for other crimes against persons directly, this crime against property should be non-bailable," she said.

Lacson-Noel considers the proposed measure to also fill in the current gaps in law enforcement.

"I can understand the frustration of our policemen who give their lives in trying to put carnappers in jail only to find out later that that they (carnappers) are out on bail faster than getting them behind bars. I also sympathize with citizens whose sense of security is threatened by reports of crime. It is our duty to them, to ensure that we are able to protect their rights to feel safe in their own neighborhoods. We need to amend the law on this if only to provide higher protection to our policemen and our citizens," she said.

Similar bills have been filed at the Upper Chamber by Senators Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV and Francis "Chiz" Escudero.

On the other hand, Buhay party-list Rep. Irwin Tieng has proposed to penalize carnappers with life imprisonment regardless whether the crime was committed with or without violence, force, intimidation and execution.

Linkback: https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=37373.0