"x x x.
Consistent with Western norms, Philippine law considers anyone under the age of 18 a minor and not criminally liable for their actions. Offenders between the ages of 15 and 17 are sent to child rehabilitation facilities, while those below the age of 15 are exempted altogether from prosecution.
In reality, however, rehabilitation programs are seldom carried out as most local governments do not have the capacity or funds to implement them. The criminal syndicates that increasingly resort to youth to ply their illicit trades have leveraged into that weak law enforcement.
Most of the minors involved in recent taxi robberies have been below 15 and are well aware that even if they are caught by police they will simply be remanded to the custody of social workers who will eventually release and send them home without charges. Many of the children caught, reports show, are repeat offenders. In one well-publicized case, a minor escaped severe punishment despite robbing, raping and almost killing a young mother.
In reality, however, rehabilitation programs are seldom carried out as most local governments do not have the capacity or funds to implement them. The criminal syndicates that increasingly resort to youth to ply their illicit trades have leveraged into that weak law enforcement.
Most of the minors involved in recent taxi robberies have been below 15 and are well aware that even if they are caught by police they will simply be remanded to the custody of social workers who will eventually release and send them home without charges. Many of the children caught, reports show, are repeat offenders. In one well-publicized case, a minor escaped severe punishment despite robbing, raping and almost killing a young mother.
x x x."
