Hontiveros backs juvenile justice law review amid school shooting probe

Sen. Risa Hontiveros. Photo by Michael B. Jaucian

TABACO CITY, Albay — Sen. Risa Hontiveros has expressed support for reviewing and potentially amending the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act in light of the recent school shooting in Tacloban City, even as she stressed the importance of properly enforcing the current law.

Hontiveros said the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality will conduct a hearing on July 1 to investigate the incident, as well as examine the possible role of online gaming applications, including Corebox, in exposing children to violent content.

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She noted that previous Senate hearings have flagged concerns about the potential use of gaming platforms in the radicalization of minors.

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READ: NBI probes Tacloban school shooting

“I believe that the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act is a good law, but we may need to look at how it is implemented and whether there are provisions that need to be strengthened in light of incidents like this,” she said.

On the question of possible charges against the owners of firearms used in the killing, Hontiveros said authorities are still awaiting the completion of investigations by the Philippine National Police and other concerned agencies. She said appropriate charges will depend on the final findings and applicable laws.

Hontiveros is currently in Tabaco City for the blessing and inauguration of the Adult Day Care Center Multi-Purpose Building with 1st District Rep. Cielo Krisel Lagman.

She is also set to travel to Calabanga town in Camarines Sur, where she will serve as commencement speaker at the Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA). She is likewise scheduled to meet with former Vice President and now Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo, although she did not provide details on their agenda. /mr

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