IN THE KNOW: Anti-Carnapping Act of 2016

The new measure, which sought to repeal Republic Act No. 6539, or the Anti-Carnapping Act of 1972, was passed by the 16th Congress on May 26 and sent to the Office of the President for signature and approval on June 16.

In 2011, during the 15th Congress, lawmakers had also filed a bill that sought to amend the anticarnapping law, calling for stiffer penalties, including death, for car thieves, following a spate of violent car theft cases in the country.

The lawmakers said they were appalled by the brazen acts of syndicates, which had managed to evade the law and continue their nefarious trade.

In August 2012, Ronald Gomez Santiago, also known as Onad, one of the most wanted car theft gang leaders in Metro Manila, was arrested by the police in Cavite.

Santiago, according to the police, was the leader of the notorious Onad car theft and robbery group. Fifteen warrants were issued for his arrest for his involvement in at least 41 criminal cases, which ranged from robbery and illegal drugs to car theft and murder.

Raymond and Roger Dominguez, leaders of another car theft group, are behind bars for the killing of car dealers Venson Evangelista and Emerson Lozano in January 2011.

Records from the Philippine National Police showed there were 6,491 incidents of car theft during the first half of last year. Inquirer Research

Source: Inquirer Archives, senate.gov.ph