Hontiveros opposes calls to lower age of criminal responsibility

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Risa Hontiveros opposed proposals to lower the minimum age of criminal responsibility amid discussions on the issue following school-related violence.

But the senator said she agrees to review, evaluate and even amend the current Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act if there is a need for such “to strengthen the [law] especially on the issue of mandating and supporting more comprehensive and effective intervention and diversion programs for children in conflict with the law (CICL),” including those who committed heinous crimes.

“And always, always, based on the principle of the best interest of the child,” she added in a forum.

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Sen. Robin Padilla earlier urged fellow senators to work on amending the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act and lower the age of criminal liability to 10 years old following the June 22 Tacloban City shooting incident, allegedly committed by two underage suspects, and left three students dead and 20 others wounded.

Hontiveros said she would actively participate once a Senate committee tackles the issue.

“If this issue will be discussed by the Senate Committee on Justice, if this is the right committee where such bills will be referred to, the committee will probably hear the latest research, the latest state of the art in terms of child and youth psychology and in terms of juvenile justice,” she said.

“I will actively participate in the hearing to learn also what’s the state of the art concerning science and the right advocacy,” she added.

But more than the age, Hontiveros said that one of the most important starting points involve intervention and diversion programs for children who violate the law. /mr

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