Right groups saying NO to lowering MACR

We must not ignore scientific evidence that shows that criminalizing children does not solve the problem of children committing crimes; it only encourages re-offending.

---

Once again, the DSWD expressed its opposition against the lowering of the minimum age of criminal responsibility (MACR).

Success stories of rehabilitated CICL, like that of Harold, continue to be a factor on why the DSWD remains adamant against the proposal to lower the MACR.

“We do not support moves to lower the minimum age of criminal responsibility. What we want are better support services for Filipino children, including the enforcement of laws that protect and ensure their rights to education. We want a holistic approach to the implementation of laws protecting children. We want to protect them, not criminalize them. A society that genuinely cares for children will pour bigger allocations to programs that give children what they need to learn, be healthy, be intelligent, creative, compassionate and socially aware,” DSWD Undersecretary for Protective Services Hope V. Hervilla said.

A petition in change.org pointed out 5 reasons why MACR should not be lowered.

1. Children are not like little adults. Children and adolescents are significantly different when it comes to deciasion making, and other psychological features. Also, children being in the same standard with adults should not be held; getting married, voting, having a driver's license, etc. are also prohibited.

2. It will not contribute in lowering crime rates. Children only commit 1.72% of the total crimes in the Philippines, according to the PNP (Philippine National Police). Poverty linked crimes were also most likely to be done by this 1.72%.

3. Lowering the minimum age will not prevent the syndicates from using children since syndicates will be encourage to use children with age of 9 years and lower.

3. The Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006 is not required to be amended, full implementation is needed.

Guidelines about children who commit crimes should be handled. Children who commited crimes are not punished, however, they are placed in a youth care facility called "Bahay Pag-asa" to go through intervention programs.

4. Lastly, the jail is NEVER a place for a child. Lack of youth care facilities will eventually lead to the placement of children in jails, wherein they may suffer violence and abuse.