Failon on minor offenders

MANILA, Philippines - There’s an alarming number of crimes involving minors these days. But the country’s law lets them off the hook. Is it time to implement punishments for juvenile delinquents aged 14 and below?

Ted Failon looks at the country’s Juvenile Justice Act of 2006 today, 4:45 p.m., on ABS-CBN’s Failon Ngayon.

Under RA 9344, children aged 14 years old and below are automatically innocent of any felony, be it theft or murder, because they are deemed to be innocent and still lack proper discernment of what right and wrong is.

Recent incidents involving minors prompted lawmakers to debate over the existing law. The Senate moves to have the age changed from 14 to 15 years and below, while the House of Representatives wants the age to be lowered to 12 and below.

But for victims like Nida Borlagon, she would rather trash the said law especially after her son was murdered by a minor while he was only trying to stop a riot.

Failon Ngayon airs Saturdays.