In a statement released Friday, Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Leila de Lima and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Dinky Soliman rejected proposals from Congress to lower the age of criminal liability from 15 years old to nine.
“The Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act was enacted in compliance with our obligations under the U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child and pursuant to the provisions of the Philippine Constitution. A child-sensitive justice system promotes and protects the physical and psychological well-being of children, while holding them accountable for their actions,” de Lima said.
Soliman, for her part, said that instead of branding youth offenders as criminals, the government and families should focus on resolving the root causes of why children commit such offenses.
“If we address that and provide appropriate assistance and services to the child, then they have a better chance at becoming productive members of society,” Soliman said.
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