Catriona Gray of the Philippines smiles after being crowned the new Miss Universe 2018 on Dec. 17, 2018 in Bangkok. (Photo by LILLIAN SUWANRUMPHA / AFP)
MANILA, Philippines — As debates on lowering the age of criminal liability continue, the public yearned for that one voice that championed children’s cause at the world stage: Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray.
Taking their call on social media, netizens urged Gray to speak about moves by legislators at the House of Representatives to set the minimum age of criminal responsibility at nine years old.
Twitter user Justin Dizon cited the reigning Miss Universe’s role in a foundation, which helps kids in Tondo.
“Now is the time for @catrionaelisa to say her stand on the issue. As a Miss Universe, she possesses a great amount of influence that can help us fight this move of the House. @catrionaelisa, what is your take on this? After all, you worked a lot in the slums of Tondo, Manila,” Dizon said.
https://twitter.com/jjcdizon/status/1087575608962379776
Dizon also noted that should Gray distance herself from the hotly contested issue, it would go against her advocacy for children.
“And a refusal to comment on this issue because it’s ‘political’ would simply go against her advocacy which gave her the crown. She will not be able to ‘look in the beauty in the faces of the children’ kung ikukulong ang mga batang dapat niyang pinagtatanggol,” Dizon said.
https://twitter.com/jjcdizon/status/1087578160034504704
Another netizen Amber Quiban also appealed to Gray, saying her advocacy to bring smiles to children could not be fulfilled if they will be imprisoned.
“We need your voice regarding this matter. Your platform was to bring smiles to faces of children but we can’t do that by putting them behind bars and tagging them as criminals,” Quiban said.
Hello, @catrionaelisa. We need your voice regarding this matter. Your platform was to bring smiles to faces of children but we can't do that by putting them behind bars and tagging them as criminals. #ChildrenNotCriminals
— Amber 🦋 #FREEPALESTINE 🇵🇸 (@geeyanii) January 21, 2019
https://twitter.com/diegomags/status/1087386172546940930
https://twitter.com/CleveArguelles/status/1087575297094905856
On Monday, the House justice committee quickly approved a proposed law lowering the age of criminal responsibility from 15 years old to nine.
READ: House panel swiftly okays lower age of criminal liability
A day later, the House of Representatives started plenary debates on House Bill No. 8858. /kga