Plan to amend youth offender law hit

MANILA, Philippines - Child rights groups on Friday opposed the move of the Senate to amend the law on youth offenders to lower the age of criminal liability from 15 years old to 12 years old.

Child welfare groups, Akap Bata Youth Advocates and Akap Bata Party-List, opposed the plan to amend the existing Republic Act 9344 or the Juvenile Justice Welfare Act of 2006.

The groups made their call during the holding of their annual "Paskuhang Paslit" at the Haven for Children Rehabilitation Center in Muntinlupa City, four days before Christmas.

The groups added that once this move prospers,  children, with ages ranging 13 years old and above, can be held criminally liable.

"The lowering the age of discernment for kids is not the best option in resolving the growing number of children-in conflict with the law (CICL) in the country," the groups said. - Dennis Carcamo