Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla is pushing for amendments to Republic Act 9344 or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act, proposing a shift in focus from age-based liability to the offender’s intent and level of discernment.
Speaking at a press conference in Camp Crame on Thursday, Remulla said recent violent incidents involving minors highlight the need to revisit the country’s juvenile justice framework.
He cited the shooting incident involving 15- and 14-year-old male students at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City as a case that underscores gaps in the current law.
“Ito ang infirmity ng Juvenile Justice Act,” he said, noting that some minors believe they can evade accountability due to their age.
Remulla also said law enforcement agencies have observed cases where criminal groups allegedly exploit minors, including using them as couriers in illegal drug operations.
“Napansin rin ng mga kapulisan na ginagamit ng mga drug lords na courier ang mga 14-year-olds para walang charge,” he said.
The DILG chief stressed that accountability should depend on whether a child understood the nature and consequences of their actions.
“I think age is not important. But cognizance and intent are the most important factors,” he said.
Remulla clarified that reforms should not simply focus on lowering the minimum age of criminal responsibility but on strengthening the overall juvenile justice system.
“I strongly recommend to Congress that we work together to come up with a more comprehensive law on juvenile justice,” he added.
Under RA 9344, children 15 years old and below are exempt from criminal liability and are instead subjected to intervention programs, while those above 15 but below 18 may only be held liable if proven to have acted with discernment.