Pros & Cons - Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act

Summary

The Philippine House of Representatives is considering a bill to lower the age of criminal liability to 12 years old. The debate centers on whether children are mature enough to discern right from wrong at this age. Critics argue that the focus should be on rehabilitation and addressing the root causes of juvenile crime, while proponents claim that children are capable of understanding the consequences of their actions. The discussion highlights the need for a child-friendly justice system that balances punishment with reformation.

Takeaways

• 📊 In 2018, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency reported 460,000 crime incidents, with 11,321 committed by minors.
• 🏛️ The House of Representatives is considering House Bill 8858, which aims to lower the age of criminal liability to 12 years old.
• 👨‍⚖️ The bill intends to provide reformation for minors who commit crimes, sparking a debate on whether children are mature enough to discern right from wrong.
• 🔍 The Philippine Psychological Association opposes the lowering of the age of criminal liability, advocating for the protection of children rather than punishment.
• 👨‍👧‍👦 Child Rights Network emphasizes the need for a child-friendly justice system that offers a second chance to minors, focusing on rehabilitation and reintegration.
• 🏢 The discussion highlights the importance of community-based interventions and the role of social workers in addressing juvenile crime.
• 🚫 Critics argue that lowering the age of criminal liability could lead to more children being incarcerated with those who committed heinous crimes.
• 🌐 The conversation underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to juvenile justice, including infrastructure, human resources, and community involvement.
• 📉 Data from the Philippine National Police indicates that children commit a small percentage of total crimes, raising questions about the effectiveness of lowering the age of liability.
• 🙏 The debate concludes with a call for legislators to consider the long-term impact on children and to focus on protective and rehabilitative measures rather than punitive ones.

Q & A

What is the current age of criminal liability in the Philippines according to the script?

The current age of criminal liability in the Philippines is 15 years old.

What is House Bill 8858 aiming to do?

House Bill 8858 aims to lower the age of criminal liability to 12 years old and offer reformation to minors who commit crimes.

What is the stance of the Psychological Association of the Philippines on the proposed law?

The Psychological Association of the Philippines is against the lowering of the age of criminal liability, advocating for the protection of children rather than placing them in punitive measures.

What is the role of the Child Rights Network in the discussion?

The Child Rights Network is focused on child-friendly policies, advocating for a separate justice system for children and pushing for the implementation of laws that protect and rehabilitate children.

What percentage of crimes were committed by minors according to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency data in 2018?

In 2018, 2.4% of crimes were committed by minors, with 11,321 crimes out of 460,000 incidents.

What is the concern about branding children as criminals at a young age?

The concern is that branding children as criminals can have a negative impact on their development and future opportunities, and it may not address the root causes of their actions.

What are the arguments for not lowering the age of criminal liability?

Arguments against lowering the age include the belief that children are not yet fully developed to discern right from wrong, and that they should be protected and rehabilitated rather than punished.

What are the arguments for lowering the age of criminal liability?

Proponents argue that children as young as 12 are capable of understanding the difference between right and wrong and should be held accountable for serious crimes.

What is the role of social workers in the implementation of child-friendly laws?

Social workers play a crucial role in the implementation of child-friendly laws by providing support, intervention, and rehabilitation services to children in conflict with the law.

How does the script discuss the impact of the proposed law on children who commit heinous crimes?

The script discusses the impact by emphasizing the need for a separate justice system for children, focusing on rehabilitation and reintegration rather than incarceration, especially for those who commit heinous crimes.

What is the script's position on the treatment of children in conflict with the law?

The script advocates for a more protective and rehabilitative approach, suggesting that children should be given a second chance and that the focus should be on addressing the root causes of their actions rather than punishment.