Solons file bill allowing citizens to go after corrupt officials

Akbayan party-list Representative Chel Diokno filed a bill allowing private citizens to directly initiate forfeiture cases against erring government officials.

In the midst of high-profile government corruption investigations, Diokno filed House Bill 6619 that would empower private citizens to take an active role in recovering stolen money from corrupt officials.

The bill also seeks to update a 65-year-old law, Republic Act 1379 (Forfeiture Law), allowing citizens to file cases to recover ill-gotten wealth and ensure that stolen public funds are returned to the people.

Co-authors of the bill are Diokno’s fellow Akbayan party-list Reps. Percival Cendaña and Haima Ismula, and Dinagat Islands Rep. Arlene Kaka Bag-ao.

The measure will allow people, civil society groups and corporations, among others, to initiate and participate in civil forfeiture proceedings at regional trial courts.

Diokno said in a statement, “We call on our colleagues to support this long-overdue reform, so we can strengthen accountability, empower citizens and ensure that every peso stolen from the people is returned to the people.”

The bill sponsors propose that bulk of any recovered funds be allocated for education, health, socialized housing and social security. Those who file the case would be rewarded 10 percent of the recovered amount.

Diokno added, “The unique remedy of civil forfeiture has the potential to expedite accountability from errant and corrupt public officers. In refining this legislation, we aim to strengthen the mandated trust between our public officials and the Filipino people.”