LOOK: Child rights advocates reject moves to lower age of criminal liability

MANILA, Philippines – Child rights advocates on Friday gathered outside the Senate complex in Pasay City to register their strong disapproval to proposals lowering the minimum age of criminal responsibility (MACR) in the country.

This, while the Senate committee on justice and human rights started tackling proposed laws in its chamber that seek to lower MACR.

Individuals from groups such as Child Rights Network, Salinlahi, and Education Network Philippines closed ranks and called on legislators to halt moves to lower MACR and instead ensure protection of children and their rights.

Advocates held signs and wore shirts with messages: “Children, not Criminals,” “Tulong, Hindi Kulong,” and “Protect Our Children.”

To recall, the House of Representatives already approved on second reading its own version of a bill lowering MACR from 15 to 12 years old.

READ: Amid public anger, House relents on criminalizing 9-yr-olds

Earlier, congressmen proposed lowering MACR to nine years old, earning uproar from parents and child welfare supporters. /kga