Juvenile Laws at Philippines
The Philippines has established a comprehensive framework for juvenile justice through Republic Act No. 9344, known as the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006, and its subsequent amendment, Republic Act No. 10630. These laws aim to protect the rights of children in conflict with the law (CICL) and promote their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
βοΈ Legal Framework
Republic Act No. 9344 (2006): This act created the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council (JJWC) under the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to oversee the implementation of juvenile justice policies. It emphasizes diversion programs, rehabilitation, and the use of detention as a last resort.
Republic Act No. 10630 (2013): This amendment strengthened the juvenile justice system by defining "Bahay Pag-asa" as a 24-hour child-caring institution for children aged 15 to 17 awaiting court disposition. It also clarified the minimum age of criminal responsibility and introduced provisions for individualized intervention programs.
πΆ Age of Criminal Responsibility
Under 15 years old:Children are exempt from criminal liability but are subject to intervention programs
15 to 17 years old:Children are presumed exempt from criminal liability unless they acted with discernment, in which case they are subject to appropriate legal proceedings
ποΈ Juvenile Justice System
Diversion Programs These programs aim to redirect children from formal judicial proceedings through community-based interventions, counseling, and skills development.
Bahay Pag-asa These facilities provide short-term residential care for children awaiting court dispositio. ξThey offer individualized intervention plans developed by a multidisciplinary tea.
Family Courts Specialized courts handle cases involving children in conflict with the law, ensuring proceedings are child-sensitive and focused on rehabilitation.
π« Rehabilitation and Reintegration
*Youth Detention Homes: Local government units (LGUs) are mandated to establish facilities for children in conflict with the law, ensuring separation from adult offendes.
*Community-Based Programs: These programs focus on rehabilitation and reintegration, including life skills development, education, and family counseling.
π Summary
The Philippines' juvenile justice system emphasizes the protection and rehabilitation of children in conflict with the a. Through laws like RA 9344 and RA 10630, the country has established a framework that prioritizes diversion, individualized intervention, and community-based rehabilitation, aiming to reintegrate children as productive members of society.
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