In an attempt to toughen the legal consequences for those who drive under the influence of alcohol, Deputy Rebeca Peralta has presented an initiative for drunk drivers who cause a person's death to not only compensate, but also to grant a monthly pension to the daughters and sons of their victims. The vice-coordinator of the Green Party in the Mexico City Congress pointed out that although the current law provides for damages, it is usually limited to a single payment that is insufficient for the long-term needs of girls, boys, and adolescents who were economically dependent on the victim. "We seek that the compensation for damages be real and sustained over time, not a single payment that is quickly exhausted, but a pension that guarantees the development and well-being of those who are left." Rebeca Peralta. What does the initiative propose? The proposal contemplates adding Article 140 Bis to the Penal Code for the Federal District, with the aim that a judge determines the amount of the pension based on: The income the victim received; The needs of the beneficiaries; The standard of living the family maintained. In cases where the victim had formal employment, the calculation will be made taking into account their salary. However, when there is no verifiable income, the expenses associated with care, feeding, and companionship within the home will be considered. "Domestic work also generates value and sustains families, which is why it must be recognized." Rebeca Peralta. State support and scope of the pension Additionally, the initiative seeks to modify the Law for Victims of Mexico City by adding Article 67 Bis, so that daughters and sons are recognized as indirect victims. This will allow them to access monthly financial support from the State while the judicial process is resolved. The proposed pension could extend until the beneficiaries reach the age of majority or continue their studies, depending on what the judicial authority determines. Justice beyond a single payment The legislator was emphatic in stating that a single compensation should not become a mechanism that closes the case without ensuring full justice. "We cannot allow a single compensation to become a license to forget. Justice must be complete, sustained, and focused on protecting those who need it most," she concluded.
