Manila, Philippines – The debate on lowering the age of criminal liability heated up when the House justice committee approved House Bill (HB) 8858 on January 22, 2019
These crimes include kidnapping ,murder, parricide, infanticide, and serious illegal detention.
Two days later, the committee increased the minimum age of criminal responsibility (MACR) from 9 to 12.
The bill seeks to amend Republic Act (RA) 9344 or the Juvenile Justice Act of 2006 which exempts 15- to 18-year-olds from criminal liability.
A minimum 12 years of imprisonment in juvenile care units would be imposed as punishment.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DWSD) and other licensed non-governmental organizations (NGOs) will be mainly responsible for taking care of "criminally liable" children in Bahay Pag-Asa centers, or youth care facilities.
The hashtag #ChildrenNotCriminals flooded social media with sentiments decrying the consequences of putting minors behind bars.
‘Children’ as defined by laws
The Child and Youth Welfare Code recognizes the child as the country’s "most important asset."
Thus, it is the duty of the nation to make sure that the rights of a child are protected – from the moment he/she is born to the time he/she becomes a fully-developed Filipino citizen.
Article 3, Section 12 of the code states:
“Every child has the right to grow up as a free individual, in an atmosphere of peace, understanding, tolerance, and universal brotherhood, and with the determination to contribute his share in the building of a better world.”
Laws that intend to protect children from all kinds of abuses:
- Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act (RA No. 7610)
- Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children (RA No. 9262)
- Elimination of the Worst Forms of Child Labor (RA No. 9231)
- Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, as amended (RA No. 9208)
- Anti-Child Pornography Act (RA No. 9775)
- Anti-Bullying Act (RA No. 10627)
- Anti-Rape Law (RA No. 8353)
- Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act (RA No. 8371)
- Children's Emergency Relief and Protection Act (RA No. 10821)
- The Child and Youth Welfare Code (PD 603)
- The Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act, as amended (RA No. 9344)
According to our Miss Universe:
Opinion:
As a student, I disagree about the Lowering the Age of Criminal Liability because I do believe that children should have the freedom to do what they want but with limitations. Children is the hope of our future therefore how we can be the hope of our future if we are locked behind this tall bars for doing such bad things? I recommend to our government to have a program such as rehabilitation program for all the children who have done bad things. So that they can restore or reflect what they have done so that they will not do it again and live a better life again. One factor that a child can do bad things is lack of child support or attention from their families because of this the child tend to find a better way to do something which is bad or look attention to others. Another is the poverty, this children tend to do bad things just to sustain their needs in their family. Example of this is robbery or stealing to some stores just to make their stomach full. So let's think again and reflect what will be the result of approving this to the HOPE of our FUTURE?
video: Mj Marfori
What a beautiful article
ReplyDeleteNice article
ReplyDeleteWell explained 👏
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ReplyDeleteWell saidddd ��
ReplyDeleteIt is good to hear that a student like you, already have a sense of concern regarding with the issues happening in our society. I would like to give commend on your suggestion on how should our government deal with the problem of children involved in criminal acts. Aside from this, you also point out that children or youth are the hope of our country. And giving them punishment up to the extent that they will be put to jail (if they were really proven guilty),will be a hindrance for them to do their part a hope of our country. Continue to have the concern and critical mind in discussing the issues happening in our country.
ReplyDeleteNice one august!!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteOk, so indeed you've made a good point, pero I just want to ask and clarify some things.
ReplyDeleteDo you think that it's the elderly's lack of understanding or the youth's lack of self-discipline? Please elaborate your opinion. And second, what do you think would be a good resolution to this matter that you can suggest?
Good job!! Keep on learning what's happening to our country today, we are the future!
ReplyDeleteTrue, lowering the age of criminal liability for children is not the solution to the problem...let the children acquire a mass-oriented education for them to be more progressive and productive in the society.
ReplyDeleteThe real solution to the issue is protecting the youth from the dangers of the society by providing them with the progressive programs from our state agencies and communities. We need as well to boost the moral and the true essence of Family Values for everything strats at home. This act in lowering down the age of liability could hit the childhood in them, it is never a good and objective resolution to create another problem from an existing problem.
ReplyDeleteYou have a very interesting topic with infinite possibilities for discussion. Nonetheless, it's great to know that somehow people are becoming more concern on what's going on with world/Philippines.
ReplyDeleteKeep on looking, keeping on listening, keep on asking, and you will definitely learn from your surroundings. 👌
well said 👌
ReplyDeleteNice article��
ReplyDeleteLet our voices be heard! Keep it up!
ReplyDeleteKeep it up!
ReplyDeleteVery well said ��
ReplyDeleteNice, Aaron. I'm so grateful to know that even at a young age, you were so aware of what is happening in our country, and that, you participate in the discussion about the lowering of age in terms of criminal liability. It's a good job. Keep it up.
ReplyDeleteWell said :))
ReplyDeleteNice article hahahaha
ReplyDeletenice article aaron
DeleteNice blog
DeleteChildren should be nurtured and protected as what the Bible said in Matthew 19:14 (ESV) but Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven."
ReplyDeleteThey belong to God's Kingdom not in the cell or jail. The government, the family which is the basic unit of society, the school and community should work hand in hand in raising these children whom we call as the future of our country. Condenming them means condenming the teachings of the Bible. Children learn through examples. We should set good examples at home, in school, community most specially to the government who enforce the law of the land. Remember that these children can be the catalyst of social transformation.
Correct, they are still young and need to correct what they did wrong, locking them up in jail isnt going to help them to learn their mistake.
ReplyDeleteVery well said! Love this blog. Actually makes sense:)
ReplyDeleteLove this blog cant wait for more updates
ReplyDeletefor some reason. i agree with lowering the age of criminal liability. its more of a very unpopular opinion, but children are aware of what they are doing. its not really surprising for them of what can happen to the person they are bound to hurt. my point stands with "learn to accept the consequences of your actions". if you did it, its your fault. you have a choice to disagree with whoever may be ordering you to do it. fear just drives us to comply with these people.
ReplyDeleteA good idea arwen! Every people has their own opinion! Great!
DeleteIt is nice to see that a fellow student is concerned about other children who are involved in crimes
ReplyDeleteI was moved with your opinion and I agree that we children should be taught of our limitations and we should be disciplined starting at home.
ReplyDeleteNice article!
ReplyDeleteNice article Aaron.
ReplyDeleteNice article,good analyzation of this certain topic.Hoping for more insights
ReplyDeletei really like ur blog
ReplyDeleteNice blog, you really analyzed your topic well.
ReplyDeletenice blog, this is good to know about lowering the age of criminal liability.
ReplyDeletewowowowowowoowiwowowo bespren ko yan
ReplyDeleteVery good insights Aaron.. As a human rights advocate when I was in college and a Social Science teacher I took every day as an opportunity to discuss to my students the rights of the children for education and the responsibility of the government to support young minds and become a productive individual in our country.
ReplyDeleteJailing children is an act of punishment not a venue for correcting the wrong act. Young minds are vulnerable , it should be guided by some adult individual, they need the guidance of their parent or guardian. I suggest that when the children did some criminal act, the parent or guardian who are responsible for the child should be the one to be jailed.
Lowering the age of criminal responsibility is an act of violation to children human rights.
Aaron keep it up. Speak out!
nice article aaron!!
ReplyDeleteNice articleeee
ReplyDeleteThe lowering of criminal liability is just wrong and is a violation to Human Rights. It is nice to see that someone like you is already concerned with these kinds of social issues our country is facing today. In my opinion, the parent(s) should be held accountable for the child's actions and behavior. As stated in the Presidential Decree no. 603 Article 1, "The molding of the character of the child starts at the home. Consequently, every member of the family should strive to make the home a wholesome and harmonious place as its atmosphere and conditions will greatly influence the child's development". The Bible also states in Proverbs 19:13, "A foolish child is a father's ruin...", we should always look for the root cause of each problem that has yet to come. Anyway, it is impressive to see a child like you to be open about these social issues. Keep it up, fellow hope of the future! The youth today should not be ignorant of the world they live in today. God bless❤️
ReplyDeletenice article!!!
ReplyDeletevery well said aaron! I also disagree in lowering the age of criminal liability because i strongly believe that jail is no place for a child. In addition, lowering the minimum age of criminal responsibility will not stop syndicates from using children and will not result in lower crime rates.
ReplyDeletevery well said! i agree with your opinion especially at the rehabilitation part, i believe that even if a children is proven guilty they should have their own freedom and will to change, not behind the bars with guilt and anger but outside the bars with people that will guide them all throughout.
ReplyDeletei love your article
ReplyDeleteI want more daddy
ReplyDeleteNice
ReplyDeleteI do disgaree with this since the hope of our future still lies on the children moreover i do believe that with that age e.g 9-15 they do not have that sense of maturity and they may do things that can harm their future without them knowing its consequences hence may be we can solve the issue somehow by evaluationg first the family and how well the parents are orienting their children about proper ethics and good attitude that will sink in to their mind
ReplyDeletenice blog about the lowering the age of criminal liability, Aaron!
ReplyDeletevery well said! i also agree with your opinion~
ReplyDeleteVery interesting topic
ReplyDeleteI love it.
ReplyDeleteYour gawa is so ganda ganda
ReplyDeleteGood job! As a grade 7 student and a 13 year old boy, I can relate and I can be aware and I can get information from blogs like this. Well explained ��
ReplyDeleteI really like your blog specially your opinion about Lowering the Age of Criminal Liability.
ReplyDeleteVery well said, it is great to see that a fellow student is concerned about what's happening in our society nowadays. This blog can surely help others not to be blind and to gain more knowledge about the issues especially in our country
ReplyDeleteNice article��
ReplyDeleteNice 👌
ReplyDeletegreat to know about that
ReplyDeleteWell said, Aaron. It really is not the kid's fault to commit such but rather it is the lack of discipline from their family. Keep up this kind of thinking at such a young age:)
ReplyDeleteFor me, I agree in lowering the age of criminal liability but they are not suppose to be imprisoned. What to government needs to do is to rehabilitate them and to keep them away from their bad community and the bad people who surrounds them.
ReplyDeleteSo blunt yet impressing! ��
ReplyDeletewow! niceee blog
ReplyDeletenice blog!!
ReplyDeleteNice blog!!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteVery well said aaron!! :))) sana madami pa ang tulad mo na habang maaga at bata pa ay mulat na sa nangyayari sa ating bansa! ☺️
ReplyDeletevery well said!
ReplyDeletethese children committing crimes is a sign for those parents that they need to guide and give full attention to their children. nice neto aa minumulat kayo sa mga social issues na dapat pagtuunan ng pansin.
ReplyDeletenice article! i really learn a lot.
ReplyDeleteNenita Minimo
ReplyDeleteEvery child has the right to grow and enjoy 15 years old is so young and innocent to be punished by law
Poeng Go
ReplyDeleteLaw is law. Ignorance of the law excuses no ones
Margie Meceda
ReplyDeleteI’m for it! Kids now have no manners. Its becoming the norms of irresponsible parenthood. Kids need to learn the lesson the hard way.
Well explained and very detailed!
ReplyDeleteAnita Lecetivo
ReplyDeleteFor me, better to be punished if they found guilty even they are at the young ages.
Ann Go
ReplyDeleteThat is good for the persons who are bad.
Nice👏🏻
ReplyDeleteHI Aaron,
ReplyDeleteUpon reading your blog, here's my two cents: I felt you need to clearly state the key points stipulated in House Bill 8858, define what its purpose is (in this case, it aims to amend Republic Act (RA) 9344 of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006). Then clearly state what are considered as "youth offenders" - you then list out the offences (like what you already did ). Once you have those info written out, the next set of info you should state are the disciplinary actions for committing such offence. Once you have those "basic" info stipulated - then state your opinion. In summary, state first the facts, then you can mention your opinion which criticizes or approves the "facts" you stated. When stating your opinions, you can go all out - be emotional or logical about it.
Yours,
Tita Ompie
Very Informative aaron!
ReplyDeleteRowel Adoptante
ReplyDeleteKung nagkasala ang isang bata may kaparusahan din dapat ang magulang. Sila ay may parusa dahil sa kapabayaan nila sa mga anak nila.
The article presents so much of the truth about our children- as the hope of our nation...though many take it as a cliche we cannot deny the fact that indeed they are the "future" themselves and we have to really take into consideration the age liability and the pros and cons of the proposed bill. Well kudos to you Aaron for becoming a voice for your generation. Certainly you have made a ripple to our society today.
ReplyDeleteyour blog is nice!. Your blog really gives so many information many filipinos should know and if ever they read your blog they will surely learn something. because of the context/ information that is mentioned or explained in your blog.Well,as a student like you,You will really become the voice of our generation in the near future. that’s all
ReplyDeleteenglish is so hard may goodness
Very well said! We (adolescents) must read this article so that we can be aware with this issue.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteVery well said.
ReplyDeleteNice blog!!
ReplyDeleteAngelita Oavenga
ReplyDeleteKahirapan ang pangunahin problema ng lipunan bkt hindi unahin lulutasin ang paghihirap ng mga tao . oo kaya naman nakakagawa ng mga masamang bagay ang kabataan dahil sa kakulang ng suporta at atensyon ng magulang dahil nga nagsisikap ang mga magulang na matrabaho. Kaya ngayon ang mga anak walang pag gabay ng magulang lalong lalo na ng nanay. Ang nanay ang nagbibigay ng tamang paggawi ng mga anak pero ang kaso wala cla sa loob ng bahay
Great article
ReplyDeleteThe given informations were spot on. However, I was not fully convinced that the reason behind numerous child crimes are mostly because of the lack in child support and attention.
ReplyDeleteI, somehow suport this since it can lessen the crime rate because children nowadays are mostly used by big time syndicates. Lowering the crime liability results in responsible and disciplined individuals and shrinks the risk of this scenario.
This implemented law does not oppress a child's right since thorough investigations, procedures and seminars will be done.
I think the only thing stopping me from fully supporting it is the thought that many of those who passed this law says how a 12 year old can decide and can choose for themselves but still does not approve the children vote and decide for the country.
Overall, I found this article very helpful because it gave many points and adequate information about this new policy.
Aida Adoptante
ReplyDeleteSa aking pananaw tungkol dto sa article na ito dapat lng bigyan ng kaparusahan ang batang nagkasala pero not behind the bars... ang Cause ksi nito dhil sa kahirapan or hikahus sila sa buhay
Meron din mali at pagkukulang ang mga magulang dto dhil sa kapabayaan din nila sa knilang mga anak dapat ang magulang bigyan ng tamang diciplina at attention pagaaruga ang kailangan nila para di sila mapariwata sa maling gawain. .. kong nagkasala ang bata put them sa mga institution na mkapagbabago sa knila bigyan sila ng mga activities or communities service .. kaya alagaan ntin ang ating mga kabataan ngayon dhil sila ang ating pagasa ng bayan!!!
under law everyone of us deserves a punishment if we are proven guilty. Bcoz if we dont have a punishment they can do what ever they want. mistake is a lesson everyone of us can do better we can make iur own action plan to better. we can do better than before , better than others and better than we expected in our society.. Good job Aaron keep it up .. ✋ high five for you .. Goodluck and godbless . aim your goal cheer up !!!
ReplyDeleteHindi rin ako sang ayon sa lowering the age of criminal liability kasi para sa akin wala namang magandang epekto sa mga bata kung sila'y makukulong sa bilangguan ng ganoong edad. baket? kase maaaring doon sa bilangguan turuan pa ang mga bata ng masasamang gawain ng mga mas nakakatanda sa kanilang preso. Oo, may ali ung batang ginagawa at kinakailangang parusahan pero huwag naman sana nilang paabutin sa ganito. Sa halip na ganito ang kanilang gawin sa mga bata sana gumawa nalang sila ng ibang paraaan upang maisaayos ang ganitong issue sa mga kabataang nakakagawa ng masama katulad ng pagsasagawa nila ng rehabilitation sa mga batang nakakagawa ng masama upang maunawaan ng mga kabataan ang kanilang ginagawa. kaya lang naman kasi nagagawa kadalasan ng mga kabataan yang mga ganyan dahil sa kahirapan, mahinang komunikasyon sa pamilya. Sa ganitong sitwasyon sa tingin ko hindi lamang ang bata ang kinakailangang kausapin kundi pati narin ang kanilang pamilya dahil ang pamilya lamang ang kadalasang masasandalan ng mga kabataan.
ReplyDeleteNice blog, this is pretty helpful for our future!
ReplyDelete力 ！
Nice article! Keep up the goodwork.
ReplyDeleteWow so good article keep it up
ReplyDeleteI love your blog so much
ReplyDeleteIt could be helpful so that children would learn how it feels like to go in jail. Good job on making this blog btw
ReplyDeleteNice bloggg 💖
ReplyDeletenicee bloog
ReplyDeleteWe are now informed about Lowering the Age of Criminal Liability nice blog
ReplyDeleteganda
ReplyDeleteAno pa ang ibig sabihin ng "kabataan ay pag asa ng bayan" If they will lower the age of being criminal. We should know our limits. And it depends din yun sa pag a aruga ng magulang. Well we should have our freedom pero wag sanang abusuhin. Dat meron tayong limits. At dapat di lalagpas dun.
ReplyDeleteAno pa ang ibig sabihin ng "kabataan ay pag asa ng bayan" If they will lower the age of being criminal. We should know our limits. And it depends din yun sa pag a aruga ng magulang. Well we should have our freedom pero wag sanang abusuhin. Dat meron tayong limits. At dapat di lalagpas dun.
ReplyDeleteHindi rin ako sang ayon sa lowering the age of criminal liability dahil kawawa ang mga batang ginagamit sa mga masasamang gawain
ReplyDeleteNice article
ReplyDeleteI love it
ReplyDeleteContinue to write blog
ReplyDeleteThumbs up for this article of yours.
ReplyDeleteWell said i agree, i hope yung article mo is makarating sa government para din malaman nila yung side natin as a student
ReplyDeleteLove your bloggg
ReplyDeleteFaye RM Felias
ReplyDeleteVery interesting...
Orlhee Masajo
ReplyDeleteMay mga magulang na hinahayaan lng ang kanilang mga anak, dahil iniisip nila na di naman makukulong kasi bata pa, i’m not agree with the new gov’t law but if it will help to reduce criminality and it will change the new generation... why not?
Precious Sapphire
ReplyDeleteVery well said, Aaron
Nice blog!!
ReplyDeleteI agree to your opinion about the lowering the age of criminal liability because you believe that children should have the freedom to do what they want but with limitations.
ReplyDeletenice blog aaron nakakaproud naman yung katulad mo na bata palang pero mulat na yung mata sa ngyayari sa ating bansa
ReplyDeleteA really great blog and the topic fits perfectly in the society we live in today
ReplyDeleteNice blog... great in formation for the generation of tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteNice and very great in formation for the generation.......
ReplyDeleteVery nice blog.......
ReplyDeleteNice blog! It gives us so much information.
ReplyDeleteEllen Yamar
ReplyDeleteGood day boy! Your blog was so impressive, di akalain na makakapag isip ng magandang adhikain ng isang kabataan na katulad mo, at totoo na kailangan parin ang tulong ng mga magulang. Sana ipagpatuloy mo ang iyong magandang adhikain, salamat and good luck!
maganda topic mo kasi bilang isang bata mayroon kanang malawak na kaalaman sa mga ganto ipagpatuloy mo pa ito at marami kang ma aabot
ReplyDeleteinutusan lng ako
ReplyDeleteIt is really enjoying that someone like you who is a youth can think solutions about these kind of serious topics. May you continue to enlighten the minds of the people who seeks answers on their curiosity about this matter.
ReplyDelete