Lowering criminal liability age won't curb juvenile crime – Manila solon

MANILA, Philippines – Lowering the minimum age of criminal responsibility is not the answer to addressing the juvenile crimes committed by young offenders, Manila Rep. Joel Chua said on Wednesday, amid calls to reduce it.

In a statement, he said the solution to crimes involving minors lies in proper family guidance and access to mental health counseling, as the 2006 Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act continues to provide avenues for accountability.

“Lowering the minimum age of criminal responsibility is not the solution,” he said in Filipino.

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“The real answer lies in restoring proper values, the loving guidance of parents and teachers, affordable access to mental health professionals, and leaders and elders who can serve as good role models for the youth,” he added.

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Chua said the 2006 law “is not powerless,” but recognized that there could be challenges hampering its enforcement and taking to task “all responsible parties accountable.”

READ: Tacloban school shooting spurs call to review juvenile justice law – solon

The Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act exempts from any criminal liability children aged 15 and below at the time the offense was committed.

Those aged 15 to 18, while also exempt, may be held criminally liable if found they acted with discernment, capable of distinguishing right from wrong.

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Calls to lower the age of criminal responsibility spurned after two students, aged 14 and 15, opened fire at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, Leyte on Monday, killing at least three students and injuring 20 others.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is open to lowering the age of criminal liability, Palace press officer Claire Castro said on Tuesday. The Philippine National Police proposed reducing it to 12.

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“Whenever a crime involves minors, there are immediate calls to lower the minimum age of criminal responsibility,” said Chua. “But where does this end?”

“If a 10‑year‑old is implicated tomorrow, do we lower it to 9? If it’s an 8‑year‑old, do we make it 7? If it’s a 5‑year‑old, do we make it 4?”

“We cannot change the age with every tragedy. What must be addressed are the reasons some children go astray and are drawn to violence,” he said.

Forwarding recommendations to curb youth violence and crimes, Chua raised the possibility of imposing strict limits on online games and social media aimed at minors, similar to restrictions on smoking among children.

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“To address the restlessness of young people, there must be many more sports activities and wellness programs for the young,” he added. “The usual sports league events are not enough. Restless young people are instead turning to gangs and irresponsible fraternities.” /jpv