More Cebu Local, Police Officials Back Calls to Amend Juvenile Justice Law

(PNA) — More Cebu local and police officials support calls to amend the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act, following the arrest of a 14-year-old girl in Cebu City during a P5.9-million shabu bust last Saturday.

Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III said he already saw the need to further amend Republic Act (RA) 9344 when he was still a councilor in Cebu City.

“Criminals, drug pushers use children in the illegal drug trade because of the law. I’m in favor of amending the law,” he said.

He reminded parents of their role in taking care of their children and keeping them away from crime.

Dumanjug Mayor Nelson Garcia said he supports calls to lower the minimum age of criminal responsibility.

He cited theft suspects in his town who avoided jail by presenting birth certificates stating they are minors.

Acting Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella, Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza, Malabuyoc Mayor Lito Narciso Creus, Ronda Mayor Mariano Blanco III, Samboan Mayor Raymund Calderon and Sogod Mayor Lisa Marie Streegan also support the proposal to amend the law.

But Cebu City Councilor Gerardo Carillo disagreed.

He said adults who use children to commit crimes should be made to face stiffer penalties.

Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) Director Noli Romana and Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO) Director Noel Gillamac proposed lowering the minimum age of criminal responsibility so that minors would not be exploited for illegal activities.

Romana said he believes that the minimum age of criminal responsibility can be lowered to 13.

But Gillamac said minors these days are more discerning than youngsters in the past because of technology, so the minimum age of criminal responsibility can be lowered to 10.

RA 9344 and its amendment, RA 10630, exempt a child 15 years of age and below from criminal responsibility.

A child about 15 but below 18 years of age is also exempt from criminal liability, unless he or she acted in discernment upon committing a crime. (PNA) LAP/EB

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