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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Hontiveros: Intervention programs for children more important than lowering age of criminal liability

Hontiveros: Intervention programs for children more important than lowering age of criminal liability

Published Jul 2, 2026 02:49 pm

At A Glance

  • Senator Risa Hontiveros said on Thursday, July 2 that she believes intervention programs for children in conflict with the law (CICL) carry more weight than any proposals that seek to lower the age of criminal liability.

Senator Risa Hontiveros said on Thursday, July 2 that she believes intervention programs for children in conflict with the law (CICL) carry more weight than any proposals that seek to lower the age of criminal liability.

Nevertheless, Hontiveros said she is prepared to sit down and listen to the input of officials, groups, agencies and other stakeholders should they tackle the proposal to review the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act (JJWA). 

Hontiveros said she agrees there is an urgent need to reevaluate and amend the law “especially on the issue of mandating and supporting more comprehensive and effective intervention and diversion programs for CICLs”, including those who committed heinous crimes.

She said the other Senate committees that are keen on reviewing the JJWA should work by looking into what is the “best interest of the child.” 

“Other than the Senate Committee on Women…the other committees, like the Senate Committee on Justice may also look into the matter,” Hontiveros said during the Kapihan sa Manila Prince Hotel. 

“But like what I said yesterday, on the issue of lowering the criminal age, I think the most important aspect of the hearing was to know how effective were the existing intervention programs,” the senator said. 

If the issue regarding the Tacloban school shooting will be discussed by the Senate Committee on Justice, Hontiveros said the panel is within its rights to hear the “latest research, latest state of the art in terms of child and youth psychology and in terms of juvenile justice.”

“I will actively participate in the hearing to learn also what’s the state of the art concerning science and the right advocacy,” she added.

Earlier, Hontiveros, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality, spearheaded the initial inquiry into the Tacloban shooting on Wednesday, July 1.

The hearing was in response to immediate calls for the lowering of the age of criminality to 10 years old after the incident.

Sen. Robinhood Padilla, who has since filed a bill seeking to lower the age of criminality has renewed his call to expedite the measure after the tragic incident. 

“To my fellow senators, I hope you give consideration and time for my bill, let’s amend the Juvenile Justice law,” he said. 

Related Tags

JUVENILE JUSTICE Risa Hontiveros Senate probe
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