NAME: VINCENT C.

SALVADOR YEAR/COURSE/SECTION: 2-BSN-A

“ SAVE OUR CHILDREN NOT PUNISH THEM”

For so many reasons I’m against in the proposed law of lawmakers in the Senate

and House of Representatives that aims to lower the age of criminal liability from 18

years old to 9 and 13 years old. Watching the real-life documentary entitled “ The Filipino

jails with children and adults (2002)” made me realized that it won't solve the real root of

the problem and these kids are victims. Just take for example the situation of tony 11

years old child prisoner the reason that he steal money is to buy foods to resolve his

hunger because he belongs to an extremely poor family and what worsens the situation

is he is lacking parental love and support, no education and often abused by his father as

what he said “ Diko ma maging ane kong tarong pagdala sa among ginikanan” ( I won't

be like this if only my parents' guide and treat me right) which shows that they committed

a crime for survival, safety, and security. The child decision making still not fully evolve at

the very young age of 13 below means they are not fully aware of the consequences of

their action that’s why children should not be treated the same as adults Scientific

research shows that “children and adolescents differ significantly from adults in decision-

making, propensity to engage in risky behavior, impulse control, identity development,

and overall maturity.” (Psychological Association of the Philippines, 2016). The jail will

never be a safe place for the child as shown in the documentary children is not being

segregated with the adult criminals who had been charged with rape, murder, and other

serious crime. Because of this setup children experience violence and abuse which will

greatly affect their physical and mental development and being tag as criminals even

they will release again into the community they will develop a mindset that they are

criminals. Just how Tony being jailed again after two months after doing the same

mistake which is stealing shows that lowering the age of criminal liability was not effective

because this child will keep the same act again and again as long as the real roots of the

problem are not resolved. Instead of labeling them criminals, punishing, and putting in a

toxic jail environment. The government should punish the crime syndicates who take
advantage of children, not the children who need to be rescued, supported, and

rehabilitated, push for the full and effective implementation of the law so that both

children who commit crimes and their victims are assisted and supported, Instead of

lowering the age of criminal liability, support local government units in providing

prevention, intervention, and diversion programs for children, And teach parents how to

guide their children and punished if they neglect or support their child's wrongdoings.