Philippines – Senator Robin Padilla is calling on Congress to amend the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act, arguing that young offenders who commit serious crimes must face real consequences. His push comes after a deadly shooting at a school in Tacloban left families grieving and reignited debate over how the law treats minors.
What Sparked the Proposal
According to a statement by Sen. Robin Padilla’s office, the senator refuses to look away from the pain of parents who lost their children to violence. He described the injuries suffered by the young victims in stark terms.
“It’s incredibly painful for the parents. Their children were good kids, but they were hit by bullets in different parts of the body—in the heart, the side, the legs, and the arms,” Padilla said.
Where the Current Law Stands
Padilla explained how the existing system handles minors who break the law:
- Children aged 15 to below 18 can be held criminally liable, but only if prosecutors prove they acted with discernment—a clear understanding of their actions.
- Children 15 years old and below carry no criminal liability at all.
For Padilla, that framework no longer fits reality. He believes some minors already know the legal limits and use them to dodge accountability.
The Argument on Discernment
The senator pointed to the level of planning behind the Tacloban attack as proof that a child understood exactly what they were doing. He cited several details:
- Mapping out an escape route
- Covering the face and changing clothes
- Using a strategy to enter the building
- Firing repeatedly at victims
“This is no longer the simple behavior of a child. There’s a clear plan and strategy,” he said.
How Low Padilla Is Willing to Go
Padilla said he is open to lowering the age of criminal liability to 12. He added that he would even support setting it at 10 if the President backs that proposal.
Still, he stressed that jail time is not the whole point. “I’m not saying prison is the immediate solution. What I’m saying is justice, and that we have a law that serves as a warning so this tragedy is never repeated,” he said.
A Message to Critics
Padilla also questioned experts who oppose the measure, saying the current system fails to match today’s realities. He insists lawmakers must balance children’s rights with justice for victims and their families—and revisit the law to keep peace and order in society.