DAVAO CITY, Philippines — Children’s advocacy groups once again reject the move of Senator Tito Sotto for refiling the bill to lower the minimum age of criminal responsibility (MACR) on the opening of Congress last July 1.
Sotto filed Senate Bill no. 5 last Monday, July 1, seeking to amend the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act (JJWA), lowering the MACR from 15 years old to 12 years old.
Tambayan Center for Children’s Rights, a non-government organization in Davao City, reiterated that lowering the criminal age won’t resolve the problem of children involved in crimes.
Tambayan’s communication officer Neem Cahoy, said the alternative is for a stronger implementation of JJWA.
Cahoy said the JJWA has good provisions in it in dealing with children in conflict with the law (CICL), such as community-based programs, and applying the principles of what is called “restorative justice”.
“A better implementation is needed to better cater not only children in conflict with the law, but also for children-at-risk,” Cahoy said.
She also noted that children are usually involved in petty crimes such as stealing do this their survival needs were not addressed in the household.
The controversial bill was filed in the previous 17th Congress but was not passed after receiving backlash from various child rights groups and other lawmakers.
President Duterte, whose war on drugs have targeted urban poor, said he is “comfortable” with the proposed measure, saying this would remind parents to “be conscious of the criminal accountability.”
But Salinlahi Alliance for Children’s Concerns said that government should address the root cause why children get involved in crimes, including poverty, joblessness, low wages, and landlessness.
“Salinlahi reiterates that lowering of MACR won’t drastically curb the crime rate in the country and will never be the solution to address the social victimization of children involved in anti-social activities,” said Eule Rico Bonganay, Salinlahi Secretary-General.
The College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) also challenged government to go against syndicates instead of children and the poor.
“We want the government to realize that they should work on ending syndicates and adults’ crimes instead of jailing minors who are abused and forced to commit wrongdoings,” said CEGP National President Daryl Angelo Baybado.
The Guild believes the President’s allies in Congress are eager to pass the legislation, as it is one of the President’s legislative priorities.
Tambayan reiterates its call for child rights advocates to remain vigilant in monitoring the moves of Congress to pass this “anti-children” law. (davaotoday.com)
