Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
Quezon City
FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House BiliNo.__929

Introduced by Honorable Czarina D. Umali

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Bill is submitted for the purpose of granting authority to the Department of
Justice (DON), through the Office of the Chief State Prosecutor, to bring together the
parties to a criminal action involving minor offenses, which are punishable by
imprisonment not exceeding one (1) year and/or a fine not exceeding five thousand pesos
(P5,000.00)

Experience would tell us that our courts of Justice are saddled with countless
cases which could hardly be disposed of within the period prescribed by existing laws
and rules. As a result, court proceedings and the dispensation of justice on other vital
cases are often delayed and hampered. This bill, in consonance with the constitutional
guarantee of the right of every person to a speedy disposition of their cases, will allow the
litigants to settle their differences extra-judicially. Thus, a lot of time, money and effort
usually expended in pursuing criminal cases in court will be saved.

The authority of the DOJ to settle minor offenses, under this bill, shall include
those cases not settled by the Lupong Tagapamayapa or the barangay court except those
involving offenses under the Dangerous Drugs Act (R.A. 6425) and the Special
Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act (R.A. 7610).

Premises considered, approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

- (
K). Wemata
Hon.(CZARINA D. UMALI

Representative
3 Congressional District


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS

o> Fist RegulgySyagion

Introduced by Honorable Czarina D. Umali

AN ACT GRANTING THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE THE AUTHORITY TO
SETTLE MINOR CRIMINAL OFFENSES

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled.

SEC. 1. Authority of the Department of Justice to settle minor criminal offenses.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) through the Office of the Chief State Prosecutor shall
have the authority to bring together the parties them and settle their cases provided that
the subject criminal offenses are minor in character as hereinafter defined.

SEC. 2. Definition of minor criminal offenses. ~ “Minor criminal offenses” shall
mean those offenses punishable by imprisonment not exceeding one (1) year and/or a
fine not exceeding five thousand pesos (P5,000.00).

SEC. 3. Coverage, — The authority of the DOJ to settle minor offenses shall
include those cases not settled by the Lupong Tagapamayapa or the Barangay Court:
Provided however; That the authority of the DOJ herein given shall not include any of the
offenses under the Dangerous Drugs Act of 1972 (Republic Act No. 6425, as amended)
and the Special protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination
Act (Republic Act No. 7610).

SEC. 4. Settlement of minor criminal offenses. ~ The DOJ shall notify in writing
the parties concemed, setting forth the date, time and purpose of the meeting and to bring
their respective counsels if they desire. ‘The settlement reached shall be in writing and
signed by all parties concerned under oath, together with their respective counsels, if any.
The settlement shall be deemed final from the date of signing and shall automatically
extinguish the criminal and/or civil liability of the accused. Failure to reach a settlement
within thirty (30) working days from the time the parties meet with the DOJ
representative shall result in the continuance of preliminary investigation of the case or
the start thereof.


SEC. 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — The DOJ shall promulgate the
rules and regulations necessary to implement this Act.

SEC. 6. — Repealing Clause. — All laws, Presidential Decrees and Issuances,
executive orders, rules and regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of
this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 7. Effectivity. - This law takes effect fifteen (15) days following its
publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) national newspapers of general
circulation.

Approved.