Government agencies, nongovernmental organizations and child rights advocates are urging Congress not to lower the children’s minimum age of criminal responsibility (MACR), saying that law enforcement should focus on cracking down on syndicate groups and parents who exploit children to commit crimes.
Sen. Anna Theresia Hontiveros-Baraquel and Party-list Rep. Tom Villarin of Akbayan both said lowering the MACR violates a child’s right to life, health, safety and development. Instead, they called for the full implementation of the comprehensive Juvenile Justice and Welfare law of 2006.
Hontiveros reminded her fellow legislators that “lowering the MACR is already the death sentence for children; first, because subjecting them in the criminal justice system can possibly put them on the death row along with hardened criminals; and, if released, the long-lasting effects to them socially in the communities. They will only be stigmatized as criminals, and even trigger repeat offense.”
She said the current state of the country’s jail system is not conducive to children for rehabilitation. “Over-crowded jail is not a place for children. Even adult detainees while awaiting trial or conviction and cannot afford bail, are already subjected to these harsh conditions – so why do we want to put our own children in these conditions?” she asked.
“It’s time for the Duterte administration to stop this regressive law enforcement practices,” she said.