House OKs more benefits for slain judges’ families

MANILA, Philippines -  A proposal seeking to provide additional support for spouses and children of slain judges, justices and other judiciary officials killed in the line of duty has been approved in the House of Representatives.

The bill, authored by Deputy Speaker Raneo Abu, got the nod of the House sub-committee on judicial reforms headed by Leyte Rep. Vicente Veloso, a former Court of Appeals justice. 

“The risk alongside the job of these judiciary officials should be counterbalanced by providing them with a grant that will encourage them to fully perform their duties and responsibilities,” Abu said.

House Bill 2683 will embolden judges and justices to dispense justice without fear, knowing that the government has their backing and will support them and their families, as they uphold the rule of law, he added.

Court administrator Justice Jose Midas Marquez endorsed the proposal during the House hearing, saying most of the victims were killed due to their rulings on drug-related cases.

The proposal urges the government help judges and justices decide on the cases objectively and fairly despite risks of injury or death to themselves and their families.