EDITORIAL - Stronger law needed

Why was Raymond Dominguez allowed to post bail 19 times for numerous carjacking cases? Because this is allowed by law. Unlike robbery in band or kidnapping for ransom, where the accused can be denied bail, the law against stealing cars allows bail. This is regardless of whether the crime was perpetrated at gunpoint or by rear-ending vehicles – the modus operandi of organized crime rings – or by picking car locks, which is usually done by penny-ante crooks.

Congressional leaders have expressed willingness to amend the law and give it more teeth. Whatever amendment is passed cannot be applied retroactively in the 19 carjacking cases against Dominguez. But he and his brother Roger can be held without bail following their indictment for the grisly murder of car dealer Venson Evangelista. Dominguez, reportedly fearing for his life, has saved law enforcers the trouble of hunting him down, turning himself in last Saturday night.

While Congress does its work, investigators should do their part in stopping this scourge by pinning down individuals, particularly those in government, who have allowed carjacking to flourish. Certain quarters have reported that the group tagged in the murder of Evangelista, and possibly car trader Emerson Lozano and his employee, enjoys the protection of some law enforcement elements. Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo also said yesterday that authorities are going after certain individuals involved in the registration of stolen vehicles.

When these accomplices are pinned down, their assets must be traced and subjected to forfeiture proceedings. Assets under the names of spouses, children and other close relatives must also be scrutinized for possible confiscation. Immense material gains from illegal activities such as kidnapping and carjacking make them attractive career choices for some individuals. Organized crime rings can pull off a long string of car thefts and kidnappings. But if the perpetrators cannot enjoy the fruits of their labors, such crimes will not flourish.

It is not impossible to curb carjacking, but it will require determined and sustained action by all the concerned government agencies. These agencies know what must be done and should act before another car trader is murdered and burned beyond recognition.