Sotto holds kin criminally liable for crimes against property in new Senate bill
May 27, 2021 07:38 PM
Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto seeks the immediate approval of his new Senate Bill. No. 2210.
“The family situations and relationships before WWII are now very different from our times!”
Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III filed a bill holding family members accountable for crimes against property.
“The family situations and relationships before WWII are now very different from our times!” Sotto told reporters in a text message when asked about the new bill.
Senate Bill No. 2210 states that family members will no longer be exempted from criminal liability for crimes against properties.
This new measure seeks to counter Section 332 of the Revised Penal Code, which states that “No criminal, but only civil liability shall result from the commission of the crime of theft, swindling or malicious mischief committed or caused mutually” by spouses, other relatives by affinity, and including, but not limited to widowed spouses and grandchildren, to their own kin, living or otherwise.
The Senate chief meanwhile, insists on removing the current exemption since it is constantly abused by individuals to their unsuspecting family members.
“The importance of family and its values remain to be steadfast, however, we cannot ignore the sad reality that crimes still happen amongst the closest of kin,” the bill's explanatory note read.
Sotto continued, “As much as we aim to preserve the harmony and peace within the family, we cannot continue to burden further the victims of crimes by exempting their kin from their criminal liability."
