Palace: Marcos open to lowering age of criminal responsibility

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is open to lowering the minimum age of criminal responsibility as investigations into the deadly school shooting in Tacloban City continue, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said on Tuesday.

Castro did not specify what age it could be lowered to, but said Marcos would review any proposal that Congress may pass on the matter.

READ: PNP favors lowering of minimum age of criminal responsibility to 12

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“There has not yet been any discussion regarding the age, but as we said, whatever version Congress comes up with, the President will review it. However, based on our understanding, yes, the President is open to lowering the age if that is proposed,” she said in Filipino.

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For its part, the Philippine National Police (PNP) supports lowering the minimum age of criminal responsibility to 12 from the current 15.

“The PNP is supporting the lowering the age of criminal responsibility po,” said PNP Public Information Office chief Col. Allen Rae Co at the briefing.

“We are thinking 12 years old po,” he also said.

The issue resurfaced after Sen. Robin Padilla renewed his push for a bill seeking to lower the minimum age of criminal responsibility to 10 years old following the shooting incident.

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READ: Cop who owns gun used in Tacloban shooting will be fired – PNP

The shooting occurred at San Jose National High School at around 9 a.m. on Monday. It left three people dead and five others wounded.

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In a statement on the same day, Marcos expressed sympathies to the victims and ordered a thorough investigation into the matter.

“The President is saddened by what happened. Anyone, especially the parents of the victims, would feel sadness and fear,” Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in Filipino in a Viber message to reporters.

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“A thorough investigation is being ordered, and protection and safety are being ensured in all places, offices, and establishments, especially in schools,” she continue. /jpv