Senate panel to review age of criminal liability

MANILA, Philippines — Following three fatal incidents involving minors across the country, the Senate panel on social justice, welfare, and rural development will assess the age of criminal liability.

Sen. Erwin Tulfo, who heads the panel, stated on Sunday, that a review will be made to address the “glaring gaps” in the implementation of Republic Act No. 9344, or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act in 2006, including its provision on criminal liability.

“Is the age threshold on criminal liability still realistic given the signs of the times?” Tulfo asked in a statement.

Article continues after this advertisement

The senator was referring to the recent and minor-inflicted Tacloban shooting incident, and the stabbing incidents in Negros Occidental and Cavite.

FEATURED STORIES

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

READ: Child justice council rejects lowering age of criminal responsibility

Apart from the age of criminal liability, the panel will scrutinize the scarcity of “functional” Bahay Pag-asa facilities for CICLs and Children at Risk (CAR), intervention programs, and parental accountability.

“I have repeatedly raised the alarm about the implementation of this law because on a practical sense, there are really glaring gaps in its implementation,” Tulfo declared.

He continued: “Are parents of these CICLs being held accountable enough? Are the rehabilitation facilities even existing, let alone working?”

Article continues after this advertisement

In the same statement, Tulfo assured that the panel will “cover all bases,” adding that his office is reaching out to several sectors including law experts, social welfare groups and parents among others for insights on the matter.

Several lawmakers have shared their sentiments on the fatal incidents that have left other minors injured or dead.

Article continues after this advertisement

Sen. Robin Padilla expressed that there is a need to lower the age of criminal liability to 10 years old, which received scrutiny from ACT Teachers party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio who called the proposition “barbaric.”

Meanwhile, Sen. Risa Hontiveros sought a probe into digital platforms and games that have violent content, but accessible to children — a move that is being criticized in online discussions, saying there are more factors that could be attributed to the violence that has ensued. /das

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.

Your subscription has been successful.