Oppostion forces legislators to try and set minimum age of responsibility at 12, not nine
Children take part in a demonstration outside the House of Representatives building in the Philippine capital on Jan. 22 to protest the move to lower the minimum age of criminal responsibility from 15 years old to 12. (Photo by Jire Carreon)
UCAN Joe Torres, Manila Philippines January 24, 2019
Philippine lawmakers have been forced to make a compromise
in their attempt to lower the minimum age of criminal responsibility amid
fierce opposition from child rights advocacy groups and the Catholic Church .
The Lower House of Congress originally proposed to lower the
age to nine years old, but reset the minimum age at 12 as a compromise after
many legislators expressed “reservations.”
Lawmakers approved a bill to set criminal responsibility
starting at 12 years old during its second reading on Jan. 23.
The controversial measure is now only one step away from
being passed in the Lower House.
“That is the [new] consensus,” said Representative
Doy Leachon, chairman of the House Committee on Justice that drafted the bill.
He said panel members on reflection thought “nine years
old was too young.”
Position Statement of the Sangguniang Laiko ng Pilipinas on the proposed House Bill No. 8858
“If anyone causes one
of these little ones to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large
millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the
sea.” (Matthew 18:6)
The House of Representatives under the Speakership of Gloria
Macapagal Arroyo, is now rushing for the approval of the act amending and
expanding the RA 9344 “The Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006” which will
LOWER DOWN THE MINIMUM AGE OF CRIMINAL RESPONSIBILITY OF CHILDREN FROM 15 YEARS
OLD TO 12 YEARS OLD.
The proposed bill was introduced with the following
objectives:
➢ To protect minors from being exploited by syndicates and unscrupulous persons that use minors to escape liability for crimes and other illegal activities. ➢ To provide adequate intervention and diversion measures for children in conflict with the law. ➢ To increase the penalties for the exploitation of children for the commission of crimes.
Granting that these objectives are reasonable and most ideal
in the current situation, the MAIN ISSUE remains: Will lowering down the age of
criminal responsibility address the causes why children commit crimes?
The Sangguniang Laiko ng Pilipinas firmly believes, together
with other organizations concerned with the welfare of children, that the root
causes are:
1. Poverty and lack of access to opportunities and government services 2. Poor Parenting and Supervision 3. Peer Pressure 4. Prevalence of and unabating criminality resulting to unhealthy social environment
A secondary objection and question which remains to be
answered with certainty is:
“Can the Bahay Pag-asa and the Agricultural Camps and
Training Facility to be established, maintained, supervised and controlled by
DSWD in PARTNERSHIP the BUCOR (Bureau of Corrections) and TESDA, provide and
deliver its mandate “to design and implement the rehabilitation and
intervention programs in these specialized facilities in order to prepare the
residents therein for successful reintegration into their families and
communities upon discharge and release?”
Pending conclusive proof of the viability and success of
these programs in these very expensive “SPECIALIZED FACILITIES”, of which our
government has no model to show, we simply cannot abandon the future of these
“children in conflict with the law” to chance. Each life is invaluable. Bawat
isang buhay at kinabukasan ay mahalaga.
Lastly, a very dangerous section (Section 43-A) was inserted
which in effect will prevent any appeal or reconsideration or correction in the
judgements given to these young offenders, to wit:
SEC 43-A. PENALTY FOR VIOLATION OF CONFIDENTIALITY OF
RECORDS- ANY PERSON WHO HAS BEEN FOUND GUILTY OF DIVULGING, WILFULLY OR THROUGH
GROSS INEXCUSABLE NEGLIGENCE, THE RECORDS OR ANY INFORMATION RELATION TO THE
PROCEEDINGS INVOLVING CHILDREN IN CONFLICT WITH THE LAW, SHALL SUFFER THE
PENALTIES IMPOSED IN TITLE VII, CHAPTER 3 OF THIS ACT.”
Simply put, once a child has been arrested, the court,
within 72 hours, has to make a decision for the petition for an involuntary
commitment to these specialized facilities. The initial period of the placement
of the child shall not be less than one year. After that 72 hours, no person
can have access to the records or any information in relation to the
proceedings. Therefore, No DSWD, NGO or Charitable Institution can help these
children because NO ONE WILL GIVE OUT ANY RECORD OR INFORMATION UNDER THE PAIN
OF STIFF PENALTIES.
We also propose the following to our Legislators:
1. Give priority to the effective implementation of RA 9344. 2. Increase the penalties against the exploiters of children.
With all the foregoing, the SANGGUNIANG LAIKO NG PILIPINAS
calls upon our citizenry to OPPOSE AND MAKE A STAND AGAINST THIS HOUSE BILL
8858.
For the LAIKO Board of Directors,
MA. JULIETA F. WASAN, Ph.D.
President
January 24, 2019
Church leaders from various Christian churches call for
faithful to unite in One Voice at open-air gathering in Rajah Sulayman Park
Different Christian traditions, sects, and denominations
will join in a prophetic chorus to proclaim the God’s calling to choose LIFE
(Deuteronomy 30:15-29), to defend the rights of the poor and needy (Proverbs
31:9), and to declare the favourable year of the Lord for justice and freedom.
“As much as ever, our FAITH is both tested and strengthened,
as we engage mission and ministry to work for truth, justice and peace in our
NATION, which continues to face a crisis of truth, intensive poverty,
violations of human rights and widespread killings,” said Bishop Broderick
Pabillo, DD of the CBCP Episcopal Commission on the Laity
“The Christian imperative to defend human dignity and
promote the respect of God-given LIFE unites us in ONE VOICE so that our people
will know God’s intention for justice to roll down like a never-ending stream
(Amos 5:24), so that peace may be known throughout the land,” said Ms. Minnie
Ann Calub of the Ntional Council of Churches in the Philippines.
“As we work for Christian unity in the Philippines, we
summon the Christian faithful to bring their prayers and concerns to a public
gathering. We seek to focus on the truth that will unite us and our common hope
the Christ’s peace may prevail in our communities and nation,” said Bishop
Ciriaco Francisco of the United Methodist Church.
As our fellow Filipinos in the Autonomous Region for Muslim
Mindanao (ARMM) region go through the Bangsamoro Organic Law Plebiscite, the
National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL) encourages all
eligible voters in the region, to exercise their right to vote. This is a
defining moment in our country, as the outcome of the Plebiscite will determine
the fate of the region and the country as well. We believe that this democratic
process must be nothing less than an enabling mechanism for the people in the
region to bring a more peaceful and prosperous change.
In support of this
democratic process, NAMFREL, together with its provincial chapter chairpersons
and hundreds of volunteers will monitor and observe the preparation and conduct
of the Bangsamoro Plebiscite.
NAMFREL calls on all
authorities; the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and its deputized agencies
the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP)
and other stakeholders; to continue to ensure that the Plebiscite can take
place in a secure and fair environment.
We express our deep concern at recent reports that in some ARMM areas
the use of electoral fraud, force, threats and intimidation is being employed
to curtail the voters right to vote or influence it. We condemn these nefarious
acts.
NAMFREL extends its
support to the COMELEC in their role to deliver a plebiscite that truly
reflects the will of the people and ensure its credibility. We stand by the
people in the Bangsamoro areas, as they vote and decide on their future. The people in the ARMM deserve a free, fair,
and peaceful plebiscite. We hope that
the result of the Plebiscite would be a step towards self-determination so
lasting peace, development and prosperity will reign in the region.
PNP Chief Director General Oscar Albayalde at a press conference at Camp Crame on Monday, November 12, 2018. Photo by Darren Langit/Rappler
‘Nakita natin as young as 10 years old, these are being used as drug runners,’ says Philippine National Police chief Oscar Albayalde
Rambo Talabong Published 8:38 PM, January 21, 2019 Updated 9:36 PM, January 21, 2019
MANILA, Philippines – Figures from the Philippine National
Police (PNP) released on Monday, January 21, showed that from January 2017 to
December 2018, the police have caught over 1,300 children aged 17 years and
below for their alleged involvement in illegal drugs.
In 2017, police captured – or “rescued,” as law
enforcers prefer to say – and turned over to rehabilitation agencies 481 minors
who allegedly violated the Dangerous Drugs Act or Republic Act No. 9165 (RA
9165). Police caught almost double that figure or 857 minors in 2018.
This means that in a span of two years, a total of 1,338
minors were caught for their alleged involvement in illegal drugs. This is
equivalent to around 13 apprehensions of minors a week.
RA 9165 penalizes acts such as using, carrying, selling,
manufacturing, and importing illegal drugs, as well as managing a drug
laboratory or farm.
Republic Act No. 9344 or the Juvenile Justice Law of 2006
sets the minimum age of criminal liability at 15 years old – meaning those
between 15 to 18 years old may be detained in youth centers and be put through
rehabilitation programs. Those under 15 years old are exempted from criminal
liability and undergo intervention.
Minors being ‘used’: During his press briefing on Monday,
PNP chief Director General Oscar Albayalde noted that most of the minors who
commit violations of RA 9165 are just being “used” by adults.
“Nakita natin as young as 10 years old, these are being used as drug runners. Ito ang pinaka-runners. Natututo din ang matatanda kasi alam nila itong mga bata ay ‘di makukulong,” Albayalde said. (We saw children as young as 10 years old being used as drug runners. They are the runners themselves. The adults have learned to use them because children cannot be jailed.)
Albayalde said this is why the police are
“inclined” to support a law lowering the age of criminal liability.
On Monday, the House committee on justice approved a bill that seeks to lower
the minimum age of criminal responsibility from 15 years old to 9 years old.
As early as October 2018, the PNP already expressed its
support for similar proposals made in the Senate. – with a report from Camille
Elemia/Rappler.com
The Philippine Apostolic Congress on Mercy (PACOM) will be
held at the FILOIL FLYING V Center “San Juan Arena” from January 24-26, 2019.
PACOM is part of the worldwide congresses that promote the
devotion to the Divine Mercy. It emanates from the World Apostolic Congress on
Mercy (WACOM), and from it comes the Asian Apostolic Congress on Mercy (AACOM).
The theme for this year’s celebration is Divine Mercy, in
Communion with the Young.
For inquiries please call (02) 6976132 or 09052038531 or
email at pacom2019.sec@gmail.com.
PROGRAM DETAILS
DAY ONE – 24TH JANUARY 2019 7:00 AM 9:00 AM REGISTRATION 9:00 AM 10:00 AM OPENING CEREMONIES 10:00 AM 10:15 AM BREAK 10:15 AM 12:15 PM OPENING MASS TALK 1 – “DIVINE MERCY FOR YOU(TH)” 12:15 PM 1:15 PM LUNCH 1:15 PM 1:30 PM INTERMISSION AFTERNOON WORSHIP (YOUTH FOR CHRIST) 1:30 PM 2:45 PM TALK 2 – “IMG (I AM GOD)” (Selfie Syndrome and the Image of Mercy) 2:45 PM 3:30 PM HOUR OF MERCY BENEDICTION 3:30 PM 3:45 PM BREAK 3:45 PM 5:00 PM TALK 2 OPEN FORUM Q&A CLOSING
DAY TWO– 25TH JANUARY 2019 TIME START TIME END TOPIC ACTIVITIES 7:30 AM 8:00 AM ASSEMBLY 8:00 AM 9:00 AM HOLY MASS 9:00 AM 10:00 AM TALK 3 – “N-CHANCES: From No to Nfinity” (Healing Broken Relationships Through the Divine Mercy) 10:00 AM 10:30 AM TALK 3 OPEN FORUM Q&A 10:30 AM 10:45 AM BREAK 10:45 AM 11:45 AM TALK 4 – “IMMORTAL COMBAT” (Divine Mercy and the Battle for Souls) 11:45 AM 12:15 PM TALK 4 OPEN FORUM Q&A 12:15 PM 1:15 PM LUNCH
INTERMISSION 1:15 PM 1:30 PM AFTERNOON WORSHIP 1:30 PM 2:30 PM TALK 5 – “HEART RESPONSE/ LDR (LOVE DESPITE REGRET)” (Love and Responsibility, The Divine Mercy Way) 2:30 PM 3:30 PM HOUR OF MERCY (TESTIMONIALS) 3:30 PM 3:45 PM BREAK 3:45 PM 5:00 PM TALK 5 OPEN FORUM Q&A
DAY THREE – 26TH JANUARY 2019 TIME START TIME END TOPIC ACTIVITIES 7:30 AM 8:00 AM ASSEMBLY OPENING WORSHIP 8:00 AM 9:30 AM TALK 6 – “AWA’T KALINGA” : PANEL DISCUSSION on ADDICTION, DEPRESSION AND JUVENILE DELIQUENCY 9:30 AM 9:45 AM BREAK 9:45 AM 12:15 PM TALK 7 – L.O.L. : LIVING OUT LOUD! (PART 2) – Spiritual Works of Mercy 12:15 PM 1:15 PM LUNCH 1:15 PM 2:30 PM GROUP DISCUSSIONS 2:30 PM 3:30 PM HOUR OF MERCY 3:30 PM 5:00 PM CLOSING MASS COMMISSIONING TALK 8 – “Y2G (YES TO GOD)/ BTW (BACK TO WORK)” (SPREADING THE DIVINE MERCY TO THE YOUTH OF TODAY)
Three Wednesdays from now, or on February 6, 2019 from 1-4pm
at the UCCP Cosmopolitan Church, our Ambassador to China, His Excellency Chito
Sta. Romana has very kindly accepted our invitation to speak before the
Wednesday Forum in its inaugural session for 2019. We wanted our kind
Ambassador to help us better discern our relations with China in light of a
number of issues primarily that of Chinese loans to our country which are
reportedly on commercial rates of interest. Being a well-known nationalist and
an advocate of peoples’ democratic interests, Ambassador Chito might also be
able to say something about the West Philippine Sea Issue and even on the drug
shipments reportedly coming from China.
A biblico-theological reflection to be given by the Rev. Dr.
Mar Apilado, Chaplain of the Church of the Risen Lord in UP Diliman will
precede the Ambassador’s presentation. A panel of reactors/inquirers to be led
by Dr. Ted Mendoza of UP Los Banos and Dr. Roland Simbulan from UP Manila will
help direct the open forum that follows.
Please feel free to reproduce this letter and invite friends
and colleagues. The venue is big enough to accommodate any number of
participants many of whom, hopefully, would be students from UP Manila and
nearby universities and colleges. Admission is free and is open to all seekers
of truth, of justice and of an enduring peace in our land.
For your advance information, our future Wednesday Forum
speakers for February 20, 2019 is Mr. Sonny Africa of Ibon Foundation on the
State of our Economy and for March 20, 2019 Mr. Mon Casiple of the Institute
for Political and Electoral Reforms on Crucial Issues in the May Elections.
Please call or write me for more inquiries. It would be
ideal if you can confirm your participation to ensure that we can properly
acknowledge your presence. My number is 0999-880-3794. Email is
alsenturias@gmail.com.Thank you so much.
Church rehab program offers hope, vocational training to ‘lost’ minority living in fear of President Duterte’s war on drugs
Beneficiaries of the church’s rehabilitation program for drug users attend a session at Nuestra Señora Dela Candelaria parish in the southern Philippine city of Tacurong. (Photo by Bong Sarmiento/ucanews.com)
UCANews | Bong Sarmiento, Tacurong City, Philippines January 16, 2019
Jonathan Padrones has been hooked on illegal narcotics for
years but is trying to “redeem” himself with the help of his parish
church, he says.
Padrones, 44, said he first tried hydrochloride, a
methamphetamine commonly known by its street name “shabu” in the
Philippines, out of curiosity when he was in his 20s.
“I ended up getting hooked,” he said, adding this
soon made him “public enemy number one” in his community.
Padrones said he would spend up to US$20 a day buying shabu.
Eventually, he began peddling illegal drugs to sustain his addiction.
When President Rodrigo Duterte launched his “war
against drugs” in 2016, Padrones was placed on a police watch-list.
Instead of mending his ways, he went into hiding. This
changed when he heard of a Catholic Church-run program for drug addicts called
“Help Care for Change, Hope and Learning.”
Father Salvador Robles, the parish priest of Tacurong City
in the southern Philippines, said that when Duterte launched his campaign
against narcotics, at least 100 people availed themselves of the program.
The government’s war on drugs has claimed over 20,000 lives,
according to human rights groups. In August 2017, Duterte vowed to press on
with the campaign even though soldiers have described it as “an unwinnable
war.”
