The Commission on Human Rights is deeply alarmed that, despite calls of experts on child development and advocates of children’s rights, members of the House of Representatives are still firm on reducing the minimum age of criminal responsibility from what the current law sets at 15 years old.

In 2018, only 58 [facilities] are operational and only 8 of which have been accredited by the DSWD.

The current Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act, which requires appropriate funding and support from the government, has yet to be fully and properly implemented. Local governments have already been mandated then to establish, fund, and manage Bahay Pag-asa facilities, with appropriate programs for delinquents. Yet, in 2018, only 58 are operational and only 8 of which have been accredited by the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

We must stop shifting the burden to children and start addressing lapses in the law’s implementation.

Adjusting the proposed age of criminal liability from nine (9) to 12 is not an act of compassion nor is it aligned with the government’s responsibility to uphold its obligation to protect the rights of children, including the most vulnerable and marginalised. We must stop shifting the burden to children and start addressing lapses in the law’s implementation; providing better support and guidance to children; as well as stricter means to curb syndicates and individuals who feed on our children’s vulnerabilities.