Discussion between DavNor's Uy and agency representatives concerning the adjustment of RA 9344
In the wake of a tragic incident in Tagum City, a multisectoral forum was convened by Davao del Norte First District Representative De Carlo "Oyo" Uy to discuss proposed amendments to the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act (Republic Act 10630). The forum aimed to guide a bill that Representative Uy plans to file, aiming to strengthen the juvenile justice system.
The forum was held amid renewed debate on juvenile criminal liability, with Senator Robinhood Padilla filing Senate Bill No. 372 to lower the minimum age of criminal responsibility to 10 years old for minors involved in heinous crimes. The bill seeks to include murder, rape, kidnapping with homicide or rape, and serious drug offenses in the scope of the proposed age reduction.
The tragic incident in Tagum City involved the death of Sophia Marie Coquilla, a 19-year-old University of the Philippines student who was found dead with around 38 stab wounds. Four suspects have been arrested, including three male minors and a 19-year-old man from Davao Oriental. The two older minors, ages 15 and 17, face robbery with homicide charges and are set to be transferred to a rehabilitation center. Prosecution of minors aged 15 to 17 can occur if it is proven that they acted with discernment. However, under current law, the 14-year-old suspect will not face criminal charges.
The Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council (JJWC), together with the DSWD, DOJ, Bureau of Corrections, and Department of Public Works and Highways, recently broke ground on the country's first agricultural rehabilitation camp for children in conflict with the law in Puerto Princesa City. The JJWC has also deployed a centralized database for tracking cases involving minors to improve coordination among agencies.
The forum saw the attendance of representatives from various departments and local government units, who discussed gaps in the implementation of the juvenile justice system. Senators Raffy and Erwin Tulfo have expressed support for the proposal, citing victims' families' frustrations and the lack of adequate rehabilitation facilities. However, their opinions are not unanimous. Senators Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan and Sherwin Gatchalian have voiced concerns that lowering the age would not solve systemic problems and have advocated for stronger enforcement of existing laws.
The current minimum age of criminal liability, set by the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006 (R.A. 9344), amended by R.A. 10630 in 2013, is 15. Proposals to reduce the age threshold to 9 or 12 have been raised but not enacted in the past.
As the debate continues, the focus remains on finding solutions that prioritise justice, rehabilitation, and the protection of children's rights. The proposed amendments are expected to shape the future of the juvenile justice system in the Philippines.
