President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is open to proposals lowering the age of criminal responsibility following the deadly school shooting in Tacloban City allegedly carried out by two minors, Malacañang said Tuesday.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the president is willing to consider amendments to the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act if Congress determines that changes are necessary in response to crimes involving children.
“Depende po iyan, kasi kung ano pong makikita na version ng pangulo, at kung ito naman ay magiging mas makakabuti sa ating mga kabataan at para sa pagpapatupad ng ating batas ay sasang-ayunan naman po ng Pangulo iyan,” Castro said.
The issue resurfaced after two minors, aged 14 and 15, allegedly opened fire inside San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, killing three students and injuring 20 others.
Castro said the administration has not adopted a specific position on what age threshold should be imposed but described as reasonable the Philippine National Police’s recommendation to lower the age of criminal responsibility to 12 years old.
“Sa ngayon ay walang posisyon ang pangulo kung anong edad pero kung ang sina-suggest nila ay twelve years old, ito ay resonableng edad,” she said.
The Palace official also said authorities should examine whether intervention and rehabilitation programs for children in conflict with the law are being properly implemented.
She noted that some minors may become emboldened to commit crimes if they believe they cannot be held accountable because of their age.
“Nakikita po natin na kapag sinabi natin ay hindi ka naman makakasuhan mas malakas iyong loob nila na gumawa ng hindi maganda,” Castro said.
She stressed that responsibility for preventing youth violence does not rest solely on the government and should also involve parents, guardians, schools and communities.
The Tacloban shooting has also prompted discussions on school security and the possible influence of violent online content on minors.
Earlier during the same briefing, Castro said the president is likewise open to proposals regulating access to violent online games and applications if lawmakers determine that such measures are necessary.
Police said both suspects remain under government custody as investigators continue to determine the motive behind the attack.
