Child rights groups and lawmakers are calling on Senator Robinhood Padilla to reconsider his proposal to lower the minimum age of criminal responsibility (MACR) from 15 to 10, warning that it would harm vulnerable children and undermine existing juvenile justice mechanisms.
According to Inquirer.net, the Child Rights Network (CRN) issued a statement on Tuesday inviting Padilla to “sit down with our social workers and child rights workers” before moving forward with his proposed amendment to Republic Act No. 9344, also known as the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006.
“This is the truth that needs to be repeated over and over again: All kids that violate the law, no matter the age, have a liability to the Juvenile Justice Law,” the group emphasized, rejecting the notion that the law allows children to escape accountability.
Padilla’s bill seeks to hold children aged 10 and above criminally liable for heinous crimes, including rape and murder. But CRN argued that the focus should be on strengthening implementation—not changing the law.
The group reminded Padilla of his own past, noting that as someone once imprisoned and later granted pardon, he understands the value of second chances. “It’s the same second chance every child in conflict with the law deserves,” the statement read.
In 1994, Padilla was sentenced for illegal possession of firearms and served four years in prison. He was eventually granted absolute pardon in 2016, which restored his civil and political rights.
CRN also stressed that RA 9344 already includes provisions for addressing serious offenses and repeat violations, particularly after its 2013 amendments. “We already have the mechanisms. What we need are more social workers, more funding and more support for community-based and rehabilitative programs,” the group said.
The proposed bill, they warned, would funnel children into a flawed adult justice system, worsening the cycle of crime and trauma.
Lawmakers echoed the concerns. Akbayan party list Rep. Chel Diokno said the law already holds children accountable and provides rehabilitation through facilities like Bahay Pag-Asa. He argued that what’s needed is more funding—not new legislation.
Mamamayang Liberal party list Rep. Leila de Lima also condemned the proposal, calling it “abdication, not justice.”
“This bill does not address crime. It punishes trauma. It does not protect society. It betrays children we have already failed,” she said, emphasizing that children in conflict with the law should be given care and hope, not criminal labels.
