Miriam pushes stiffer penalties for hate crimes

MANILA, Philippines - Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago has filed a bill seeking stiffer penalties for hate crimes.

Santiago said hate crimes are often ignored by law enforcers and are treated in the same manner as those crimes provided under the Revised Penal Code.

She cited the recent murder of transgender Jennifer Laude as an illustration of “a culture of hatred and bigotry directed against those who are different.”

A study done by the LGBT Crime Watch showed that at least 103 LGBTs (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) have been killed in the country since 1996.

Santiago filed Senate Bill 2463 or the Anti-Hate Crime Act, which prescribes higher penalties for crimes motivated by hatred against people of other race, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or persons of disability.

“Our law must address the fact that it is hatred toward those who are different that fuels the criminal intent,” she said.

“Rather than understand and lessen the penalty of the offended party, our law must impose heavier penalties for hate crimes to discourage not only the criminal acts but the culture of hatred,” she added.

The bill states that being under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs or any mind-altering substance cannot be used as a defense for the commission of a hate crime.

It also provides that victims of hate crimes should be entitled to actual, compensatory, oral and exemplary damages.