Lowering of criminal age needs study – Marcos – The Manila Times

Marcos Calls for Caution on Juvenile Justice Reform

President Marcos has signaled a measured approach to proposed legislation that would lower the minimum age of criminal responsibility in the Philippines. The President insisted that any shift in policy requires a careful study. As it stands, the administration has yet to settle on a specific direction.

Weighing Legislative Proposals Against Youth Welfare

The President’s position arrives amidst ongoing discourse surrounding potential amendments to the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006. Lawmakers have increasingly pushed to lower the age of liability, fueled by concerns that criminal syndicates are exploiting children to skirt the law.

Marcos, however, is resisting a rush to judgment. He noted that the executive branch is examining the issue from multiple angles. The government is currently prioritizing data collection and expert feedback over immediate legislative endorsement.

Examining the Influence of Violent Digital Media

Beyond the courtroom, the President is training his sights on the screen. He expressed an openness to banning more violent online games.

“The administration is willing to consider regulatory measures if investigations confirm that specific digital content poses a genuine threat to public order or the mental well-being of minors,” the President noted. This stance places the administration squarely in the middle of a broader national debate regarding the oversight of digital platforms and the shared responsibility of parents and developers in managing content accessible to children.

Stalemate Over Implementation and Rehabilitation

The legislative debate remains polarized. Supporters of lowering the age of criminal responsibility argue that organized crime groups weaponize the legal protections currently afforded to minors. Opponents, however, contend that the focus should remain on strengthening the existing system through improved implementation and more robust rehabilitation programs, rather than exposing children to the adult criminal justice system.

For now, the policy remains in limbo. No formal bill has been finalized for the President’s signature, and the administration has set no timeline for presenting a recommendation to Congress. The government continues to wait on inter-agency reports to determine whether the current law requires an overhaul or if existing mechanisms can be optimized to address the concerns raised by lawmakers.