CHILDREN IN CONFLICT WITH THE LAW: Naga residents split on lowering liability age

By JASON B. NEOLA

TEACHERS, social workers, and students in this city expressed mixed reactions to the proposal to lower the minimum age of criminal responsibility, following recent violent crimes involving minors across the country.

A public secondary school teacher in this city supported the proposal to amend the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act, saying that minors today already possess discernment and are increasingly exposed to violence because of gadgets and online games.

“Children develop maturity when it comes to violence,” the teacher said. “Most of these behaviors are influenced by violent games they play on their gadgets. Yes, I am a teacher, but I fully agree with lowering the age of criminal responsibility among minors. Most of our children nowadays are already abusing their rights.”

Jocelyn Aguila, a social worker officer at the Bantay Familia Protection Center, also favored the proposal, citing cases involving minors in serious crimes.

“I am aware of cases where minors were involved in the rape of an 8-year-old girl,” Aguila said. “I believe that children aged 13 or 14 already have discernment. Many parents seem unable to discipline or properly monitor their children.”

She added that some teachers are hesitant to discipline problematic students inside schools due to fear or limitations in authority.

However, some students opposed the proposal, saying that parents, schools, and communities should first strengthen guidance and intervention programs for children.

Celine Concepcion, a fourth-year BS Criminology student, said lowering the age of criminal responsibility should not be the immediate solution.

“Parents, the government, schools, and the community must first fulfil their responsibilities in guiding children,” she said. “We should explore all possible interventions to prevent minors from committing crimes. I am not in favor of the proposal.”

Another psychology student, Jose Reyes, shared the same sentiment, emphasizing the role of parents in shaping children’s values and behavior.

“The question is why these minors still pursue crimes even if they know the consequences,” Reyes said. “Perhaps parents failed to teach self-control, patience, humility, and proper values.”

He also urged parents to limit their children’s use of gadgets and monitor the content they consume online.

The local reactions came after the Philippine National Police (PNP) expressed support for proposals seeking to amend the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act by lowering the minimum age of criminal responsibility from 15 to 12 years old.

PNP spokesperson Allen Rae Co said the police organization recognizes the growing involvement of minors in serious crimes and believes many young offenders already possess discernment.

“The PNP is supportive of lowering the age of criminal liability to 12 years old,” Co said during a briefing in Malacañang. “We are already facing problems involving minors in crimes. They know what they are doing.”

The issue gained renewed attention following the fatal shooting incident at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, where two Grade 9 students aged 14 and 15 allegedly carried out an attack that left three people dead.

Senator Francis Pangilinan, author of Republic Act No. 9344 or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act, clarified that minors involved in crimes should still undergo proper legal procedures.

“They cannot simply be released even if they are minors. They must go through the process prescribed by law,” Pangilinan said.

Under the current law, children aged 15 years old or below are exempt from criminal liability but are required to undergo intervention programs. Minors above 15 but below 18 years old may still face legal proceedings if it is proven that they acted with discernment.

Meanwhile, Senator Robin Padilla renewed his call for the passage of Senate Bill No. 372, which seeks to lower the minimum age of criminal responsibility from 15 to 10 years old.

“This has been happening one after another. There have been hold-ups, rapes, and now a shooting inside a school. What are our fellow senators waiting for?” Padilla said in a statement posted on social media.

The debate over lowering the age of criminal responsibility continues to divide lawmakers, educators, and child welfare advocates as concerns over juvenile crime and youth violence intensify nationwide.