Review of juvenile law to respond to present-day realities sought

MANILA – Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero on Monday said the country’s juvenile justice system must undergo a comprehensive review to close gaps in school safety, youth accountability and the implementation of rehabilitation programs.

In his “Chiz Wiz” podcast, Escudero stressed that laws written by people should be amended when they no longer adequately respond to present-day realities.

“Walang perpektong mambabatas na alam ang lahat para makagawa ng batas na hindi na pwedeng baguhin habang buhay (No lawmaker is perfect or knows everything enough to craft a law that should never be changed),” he said.

Escudero co-authored Republic Act 9344, or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006, and its 2013 amendatory law, RA 10630.

He said revisiting the measures should not be viewed as an admission that lawmakers made a mistake, but as an opportunity to improve the justice system based on evidence and changing conditions.

“Dapat bukas kaming lahat na mambabatas sa anumang pagbabago (All of us lawmakers should be open to any change),” Escudero said, adding that reforms must balance public safety with the welfare and rehabilitation of Filipino children.

He also rejected claims that minors involved in crimes face no consequences, noting that the existing laws already provide mechanisms for accountability, intervention and rehabilitation for children in conflict with the law.

Escudero said a “full-cycle review” should examine not only the provisions of the law but also whether national agencies and local governments are properly implementing programs intended to prevent juvenile offenses and rehabilitate minors.

“Ang batas ay para sa tao. Kung hindi na tumutugon sa pangangailangan ng panahon, tungkulin naming ayusin at iakma ito (The law is for the people. If it no longer responds to the needs of the times, it is our duty to correct and adapt it),” he said. — Wilnard Bacelonia (PNA)