Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan denounced as fake news claims that minors who commit crimes escape punishment under the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006.
In response to Senator Robin Padilla’s proposal to lower the age of criminal liability from 15 to 10, Pangilinan stressed that the law—of which he is the principal author—provides penalties for minors, including mandatory confinement of at least one year for serious crimes like rape and homicide, extendable to three years or more by court order.
He cited the Maguad killings, where the perpetrators were minors but are now imprisoned, as proof that the law holds young offenders accountable.
“Hindi tama yung sinasabi na dahil menor de edad ay hindi pwede parusahan, dahil yung dalawang involved sa Maguad killings pinarusahan, nakakulong ngayon. Ayaw natin mangyari ang mga ‘to,” the senator said.
Pangilinan lamented how misinformation skews public understanding of the law, which also focuses on rehabilitation and reintegration.
He cited Valenzuela City’s experience under then-mayor Win Gatchalian, where 70% of children in conflict with the law who underwent rehabilitation programs returned to normal lives.
While open to reviewing the law’s implementation, Pangilinan maintained that 10 years old is too young for criminal liability. He thanked Padilla for supporting the law’s full enforcement, emphasizing a balance of compassion and accountability.IMT
