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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Mindanao devider Rep. Duterte dismisses De Lima's opposition to juvenile crime bill

Rep. Duterte dismisses De Lima's opposition to juvenile crime bill

Published Jul 26, 2025 06:11 pm
DUTERTE (Ivy Tejano)
DUTERTE (Ivy Tejano)
DAVAO CITY – Davao City first district Rep. Paolo Duterte brushed aside Makabayang Liberal party-list Rep. Leila de Lima opposition to Sen. Robin Padilla’s proposal to lower the minimum age of criminal responsibility from 15- to 12-years-old.
In a media interview on Friday, July 25, Rep. Duterte responded to De Lima who said the proposed legislation was “inhumane” and “unconstitutional.” He said De Lima always had her way of doing things, but with little to show.
The measure has stirred fresh debate on juvenile justice in the country, with De Lima, recently acquitted of the last of her drug-related cases, having publicly condemned the bill, arguing that it violates children’s rights and fails to address the root causes of juvenile delinquency.
“You know, that congresswoman (De Lima) always has her opinion. I do not even know what her advocacy is. Since the time of PNoy (former President Benigno Aquino III), I’ve never known,” Rep. Duterte said, pointing out De Lima’s long-standing tendency to voice strong opinions.
Rep. Duterte said he does not know De Lima, but acknowledged that the former Senator is good at investigations, during her time as chairwoman of the Commission on Human Rights and Justice Secretary during the Aquino administration.
“I do not know her. She’s (De Lima) only good at investigations, but nothing ever came out of them,” the lawmaker said.
Though Rep. Duterte did not directly state his position on the bill, he stressed the need to prioritize public safety and consider the rights of victims – especially in cases involving minors who are allegedly being used by criminal syndicates.
Padilla’s proposal has faced intense criticism from human rights groups and progressive lawmakers, who say it punishes children instead of solving deeper problems like poverty, abuse, and lack of education and social support.
The measure has gained traction among some lawmakers, particularly those allied with the Duterte bloc, who argue that the increasing number of crimes involving minors demands a tougher legal response.

Related Tags

Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte Leila de Lima Rep. Leila de Lima Makabayang Liberal Juvenile deliquency Sen. Robin Padilla
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