NECESSITY

NECESSITY
INTRO
Today, I Kenn Wensy Caldeo stand before you to speak against the proposal to lower the age of criminal
responsibility in the Philippines. While the intention behind this proposal may seem grounded in a desire for justice, we
must look at the broader implications it has for our children, our communities, and our future.
We live in a country where the root causes of crime are complex and multifaceted.Punishing minors doesn’t address
the causes of crime and actually harms children”“Lowering the age of criminal responsibility may appear to address
juvenile crime, but it fails to solve the root causes—poverty, lack of education, and exploitation. Instead, it targets
vulnerable children who most need support, not punishment.”.. Given this statements here are the reasons why;
BODY
First, there is no need to lower the age of criminal responsibility because the current juvenile justice framework, guided
by Republic Act 9344, or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of ( 2006), is specifically designed to address the unique
needs and vulnerabilities of children. This act recognizes that children, by virtue of their developmental stage, lack the
full maturity and capacity to understand the long-term consequences of their actions . Instead of punishment,
the act prioritizes rehabilitation, education, and reintegration into society—a progressive approach consistent with
international human rights standards.
Lowering the age of criminal responsibility would undermine these goals and ignore the established understanding that
children require guidance, not imprisonment. At a young age, children are easily led and vulnerable to influence from
their environment and adult figures. Many juvenile offenders come from marginalized backgrounds, often facing
poverty, broken families, lack of education, or even coercion from adults. Treating them as hardened criminals
will only deepen these disadvantages and trap them in cycles of criminality and social rejection, rather than offering
them the chance to reform and contribute positively to society.
● Change.org. (n.d.). No to lowering the minimum age of criminal responsibility in the Philippines. Retrieved
from https://www.change.org/p/no-to-lowering-the-minimum-age-of-criminal-responsibility-in-the-philippines
Second, Historically, the Philippines has recognized the importance of protecting children. The establishment of the
Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act in 2006 was a response to an international push, particularly influenced by the United
Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which the Philippines ratified. This act marked a crucial step forward for
our country, aligning us with global standards that prioritize child rights and rehabilitation over punishment. Lowering
the age of criminal responsibility disregards this historical progress and would revert our justice system to a more
punitive model that lacks compassion and understanding.
Filipinos highly value family, community, and second chances, believing in the power of support to guide people
toward the right path. Lowering the age of criminal responsibility contradicts these values, pushing young offenders out
of society and labeling them as criminals instead of helping them grow. This move would erode our society’s fabric,
making us less forgiving and supportive of our youth.
● UNICEF. (2019, November 20). Philippines can be proud of juvenile justice law as world commemorates 30
years of Convention on the Rights of the Child. UNICEF Philippines. https://www.unicef.org/philippines/press-
releases/philippines-can-be-proud-juvenile-justice-law-world-commemorates-30-years-convention
Third, there is an urgent need to shield our youth from the trauma and stigma of being labeled as criminals early in life.
UNICEF studies show that criminalizing children has lasting psychological impacts, increasing the likelihood of future
offending and entrenching cycles of crime and poverty. Lowering the age of criminal responsibility would only lead to
more children in prisons—harsh environments that deny them the education and support needed to break free from
crime.
Moreover, lowering the age of criminal responsibility will overburden our justice and social welfare systems. Instead of
investing resources in imprisoning children, we should focus on strengthening the juvenile justice system, enhancing
intervention programs, and supporting families and communities in need. Acording to United Nations Children's Fund
(UNICEF). Programs addressing youth poverty, education, and mental health are far more effective at reducing
juvenile crime than harsh penalties.
● UNICEF Philippines. (2019, January 21). Lowering the age of criminal responsibility is against child rights –
UNICEF.UNICEF.https://www.unicef.org/philippines/press-releases/lowering-age-criminal-responsibility-
against-child-rights-unicef
In conclusion, we don’t need to lower the age of criminal responsibility; rather, we must enhance our commitment to
child welfare. Criminalizing young offenders is not a solution; it’s a setback that disregards the root causes of crime
and denies children the opportunity to reform. Let’s focus on reinforcing the juvenile justice system, prioritizing
rehabilitation, and protecting the rights and futures of our youth.
With that, I conclude my statement,and i am ready for interpellation.

NECESSITY

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NECESSITY

With that, I conclude my statement,and i am ready for interpellation.

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