Senator Erwin Tulfo has called for a thorough review of the implementation of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act, saying recent events have underscored the need to assess whether the law is effectively balancing the rehabilitation of young offenders with public safety.

In a statement on Friday, June 26, Tulfo said discussions surrounding the law have intensified following the school shooting in Tacloban City, where some sectors have renewed calls to lower the age of criminal liability for minors involved in serious crimes.

"Nitong mga nakaraang araw, naging malinaw para sa atin na dapat nang repasuhin at suriin nang mas malalim ang Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act (In recent days, it has become clear to us that the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act must be reviewed and examined more deeply)," he said.

"Hindi lamang yung mga probisyon nito, kundi yung implementasyon at on-ground application nito na nakakaapekto sa buhay at kalayaan ng mga kabataan (Not only its provisions, but also its implementation and on‑the‑ground application that affect the lives and freedoms of the youth)," he added.

However, the senator noted that other stakeholders, including child psychologists and social workers, believe the problem lies not in the law itself but in its implementation, as well as in parenting and the influence of communities where children grow up.

Tulfo said consultations are ongoing with criminal law experts, law enforcement agencies, juvenile justice specialists, and social welfare groups to determine whether lowering the age of criminal liability is necessary or whether reforms should instead focus on improving the law's implementation.

Among the issues being examined, he said, are whether the current law effectively balances the rehabilitation of children in conflict with the law and community security, and whether the government has adequate facilities to carry out the law's objectives.

"Hindi po maiiwasan na sa mga ganitong kasensitibong usapin ay magkakaiba tayo ng pananaw. Pero ito na po ang panahon para magkaisa ang lahat ng sektor. Kailangan na ng totoong solusyon (It is inevitable that in sensitive matters like this, we will have differing views. But now is the time for all sectors to unite. Real solutions are needed)," he said.

He also urged the pursuit of policies and programs that are proactive in guiding young people away from crime rather than merely reacting after crimes have already been committed.