We’re all for reforming juvenile delinquents, but the government has to realize that tougher laws are needed to curb crimes committed by those younger than 15 years old.
Earlier this week was the ceremonial signing of the revised implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act 9344, or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006 as amended by RA 10630, the Act Strengthening the Juvenile Justice System in the Philippines.
“With this, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) also revealed that P400 million has been allotted to ensure the full implementation of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Law,” reports Rainier Allan Ronda in The Philippine Star.
DSWD Secretary Dinky Soliman said “the fund will most likely be used to set up intensive juvenile intervention and support centers or Bahay Pag-Asa around the country where children in conflict with the law will be reformed and detained.” *The report noted: “Bahay Pag-Asa is a 24-hour residential facility that provides temporary care and serves as a rehabilitation center for children in conflict with the law instead of jails. Currently, there are eight operational and 10 constructed Bahay Pag-Asa in various regions.” *Soliman also pointed out that “an important amendment to the law is the provision of a comprehensive and effective juvenile intervention program that aims to reduce the involvement of children in crimes.” *Soliman then added that the strengthened law retained the minimum age of criminal responsibility at 15 years old as stipulated in RA 9344. *Screengrab from the DSWD website
