Senator Sherwin Gatchalian.INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE
MANILA, Philippines — The results of a Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey showing that majority of Filipinos agree that the minimum age of criminal responsibility (MACR) is 15 years old should be considered, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian said Wednesday as the Senate tackles bills seeking to lower the MACR to 12 years old.
Gatchalian said the results show how important it is in the Filipino culture to protect and nurture children.
“The SWS survey showing that a majority of Filipinos oppose lowering the minimum age of criminal responsibility (MACR) highlights the fundamental importance in Filipino culture of protecting and nurturing the nation’s children,” Gatchalian said in a statement.
“The sentiments of the people should be an important consideration for the Senate as we take up the proposal to lower the MACR,” he added.
In a SWS survey conducted from July 13 to 16 and Dec. 18 to 22 in 2018, most Filipinos agreed that the MACR must be 15 years old.
READ: SWS: Most Filipinos agree on 15 yrs old as minimum age of criminal liability
The senator said the government should take this as a “sign” to take a “more prudent approach” in disciplining children in conflict with the law (CICL).
He pointed out that the first “critical” step is to “prioritize funding for the construction and operation of the required number of Bahay Pag-asa under the law.”
“The government should also take this as a signal that a more prudent approach to disciplining children in conflict with the law (CICL) would be to fully implement the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act,” Gatchalian said.
He cited his experience in Valenzuela city which, he said, showed that a functioning Bahay Pag-asa center “can go a long way towards helping CICL turn their lives around and nurture them into responsible young Filipino citizens.”
Gatchalian earlier expressed his intention to oppose the bill seeking to lower MACR if it reaches the Senate floor, stressing that the existing law, the Juvenile Justice Welfare Act) should instead be implemented fully. /jpv
READ: Gatchalian to oppose bill lowering age of criminal liability to 12