Pangilinan hits back at Duterte over ‘most stupid’ lawyer remark

Senator Francis Pangilinan hit back against President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday for calling him the “most stupid” lawyer for authoring the Republic Act 9344 or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006.

The law exempts minors below 15 years old from criminal liability, which Duterte said has allowed young offenders to escape charges regardless of the severity of the crime committed.

READ: LP president Kiko Pangilinan ‘most stupid’ lawyer – Duterte

But for Pangilinan, the President should address the pressing problems of the country instead of throwing insults at him.

“Instead of resorting to insulting his critics, it would be better if Malacañang focuses on bringing down the prices of basic goods and on going after the big time drug syndicates running circles around the BoC (Bureau of Customs) and the PDEA (Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency),” he told INQUIRER.net in a text message.

Duterte earlier admitted that the crime situation in the country has worsened and the “great injustice” began after Pangilinan authored the law on juvenile justice and welfare.

He said, however, that he is not trying to destroy Pangilinan but he only wants to express concern regarding the issue.

Earlier, Senate President Vicente Sotto III filed Senate Bill 2026, which seeks to amend the law and lower the age of criminal liability to 12 years old.

Some groups for children’s rights have slammed the move, claiming Sotto’s basis is a “flawed argument” and a “misguided solution.” /ee

READ: Sotto wants to lower age of criminal liability to 12

READ: Unicef opposes bill seeking to lower age of criminal liability to 12