Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Lawmakers are getting more alarmed as juvenile delinquents get younger and younger.
In response to this, the House of Representatives are looking into a House bill that was filed by Davao del Sur Rep. Mercedes Cagas, proposing to lower the minimum age for criminal liability of a child from 15 years to nine years of age.
For Cagas, this is what’s realistic.
“The present minimum age of criminal liability of a child of 15 years is not in accord with today’s realities,” the lady lawmaker stressed.
“Criminal syndicates use minors as implements and shields to perpetuate crimes. Imagine their innocence being corrupted at such an early age,” Cagas further lamented.
House Bill (HB) 5183 aims to amend certain provisions of Republic Act 9344, otherwise known as the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006.
According to the lawmaker, since the enactment of the law, events have occurred that necessitates a review or even changes in the provisions of the current law pertaining to juvenile delinquents.
The lawmaker pointed out that as a mother, she gets more concerned as children get to have easier access to modern communications technology, which may influence them in so many ways.
“Furthermore, the massive influence of modern communications technology has brought minors immense awareness of their surroundings or environment. Minors these days are more matured and their perspectives in life have greatly improved as compared to minors 10 years ago,” Cagas said.
The bill is under consideration by the Committee on Revision of Laws of the lower House.
