Senator Robin Padilla is pushing for amendments to the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006, citing the growing maturity of today’s tech-savvy youth and the need for a balance between accountability and rehabilitation.
While acknowledging that the issue of criminal responsibility among minors is a complex one, Padilla stressed that the government must adopt a more “restorative” rather than punitive approach when dealing with children in conflict with the law.
He argued that due to rapid exposure to technology, many youths now exhibit earlier discernment between right and wrong, along with increased risk-taking behaviors.
Under his proposed bill, children aged 10 to 17 would no longer be exempt from criminal liability if they commit heinous crimes such as parricide, murder, or infanticide.
For repeat offenders aged 15 to 18 who commit non-heinous crimes, a mandatory community-based intervention program will be required.
The measure also seeks to uphold the automatic suspension of sentence for minors under 18 found guilty of non-heinous offenses, ensuring they still receive protection and rehabilitation under the law.
Padilla emphasized that his proposal aims to maintain fairness and accountability while ensuring the law remains aligned with current social realities.
