The youth group condemned proposals to lower the age of criminal responsibility, calling it only a “band-aid solution” to deeper social problems.
Allysa Ancheta of Gabriela Youth reminded that under Republic Act 9344 (Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006), minors are given rehabilitation instead of being imprisoned like adults.
She cited Commission on Human Rights data showing that most children in conflict with the law come from families suffering extreme poverty, unemployment, and lack of state support.
She urged that instead of focusing on punishment, the government should address root causes such as economic and educational crises that push children into crime.
