THE Philippine National Police (PNP) has formally expressed its support for proposals to amend the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act and reduce the age of criminal liability to 12 years old.
The position was stated by PNP Spokesperson Police Colonel Allen Rae Co during a briefing at Malacañang, responding to calls raised by Senator Robin Padilla following the tragic shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City that left three people dead.
Co confirmed the agency’s stance, saying, “The PNP is supporting the lowering of the age of criminal responsibility.” When asked about the specific age being recommended, he clarified that the force is pushing for the threshold to be set at 12 years old. The proposal comes in the wake of the recent incident, where the two suspects responsible were identified as minors aged 14 and 15. Under the current law — Republic Act No. 9344 — children aged 15 and below are exempted from criminal liability and are instead referred to intervention programs.
During the same briefing, Malacañang Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro confirmed that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is open to reviewing and adjusting the existing rules. “Nothing has been finalized yet regarding the specific age, but the President will study whatever measure Congress approves,” she said. Castro added that the Chief Executive is generally receptive to the idea of lowering the age limit, noting that the proposal from the PNP appears acceptable.
“If they are suggesting 12 years old, that seems a reasonable age,” Castro remarked. The development highlights how the recent school shooting has reignited discussions on juvenile accountability, with authorities and the executive branch signaling willingness to revisit the law to address growing concerns over serious crimes committed by young individuals.
