From the Website of GMA NEWS
links: https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/955796/senators-split-on-bill-seeking-to-lower-criminal-liability-of-minors-to-age-10/story/
Senators split on bill seeking to lower criminal liability of minors to age 10
Senators on Wednesday expressed conflicting opinions regarding the proposed measure seeking to lower the minimum age of criminal responsibility to 10 years old for children who committed heinous crimes.
Senate Bill 372 was filed by Senator Robin Padilla, aiming to amend Republic Act No. 9344 or The Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006, by removing offenders aged 10 to 17 who are accused of committing a heinous crime the exemptions from criminal liability.
Heinous crimes include parricide; murder; infanticide; kidnapping and serious illegal detention where the victim is killed or raped; robbery with homicide or rape; destructive arson; rape; carnapping where the driver or occupant is killed or raped; or offenses under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, that are punishable by more than 12 years of imprisonment.
In his privilege speech, Padilla said he expected there would be different reactions to his proposed measure, but believes that it is about time to reexamine RA 9344.
“Bagamat mahirap maunawaan, kailangan nating tanggapin na merong mga kahit wala pa sa ligal edad—nililinaw ko, hindi ko nilalahat—ay alam na po na ang kanilang ginagawa ayon sa kanila mismong kapasyahan,” the senator said.
(Although it is difficult to understand, we have to accept that there are people who are not yet of legal age who already know what they are doing according to their own decisions.)
Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, however, emphasized that the solution to the problem of juvenile delinquencies is not by amending the existing law but by properly implementing it.
“Palagay ko, masyadong mababa ang 10 years old. Although even if you are 10 years old at ikaw ay nag-commit ng rape, minimum one year, mandatory confinement. Pwedeng ma-extend dahil ‘yan naman ang sinasabi ng batas,” Pangilinan said.
(I think 10 years old is too young. Although even if you are 10 years old and you commit rape, you get a minimum of one year mandatory confinement. It can be extended because that's what is mandated under the law.)
Senator Raffy Tulfo, on the other hand, aired support for the proposed measure as he cited several cases he received in his radio program where several minors are said to be involved in criminal activities.
“The parents and family members of their victims are often left frustrated due to their inability to get justice. If we are going to talk about facts, that is a fact,” the elder Tulfo said.
Senator Erwin Tulfo, former head of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, also lamented the lack of rehabilitation centers and juvenile facilities that would cater to young offenders.
“Mr. President, kung gusto po natin maipatupad na maayos ang batas na ito. Kailangan po natin ng pondo, mabigyan po ng pondo ang DSWD para makapagpagawa po ng mga facilities sa bawat lungsod. Hindi lang po lungsod, ang suggestion ko po, pati munisipyo,” Erwin Tulfo said.
(Mr. President, if we want to properly implement this law, we need funds. The DSWD should be given funds so that it can build facilities not just in every city but in every municipality.)
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, for his part, expressed support for a law that would instead protect children by focusing on their rehabilitation and reintegration.
He stressed that reforming a child’s character requires time, patience, and understanding, but adequate support for prevention programs should also be provided to them. — RF, GMA Integrated News
Tags: criminal liability age, Robin Padilla, RA 9344, Francis Pangilinan, raffy tulfo
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