Sen. Robin Padilla is calling on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to convene a special session of Congress to tackle a proposal lowering the minimum age of criminal responsibility from 15 to 10 years old.
Padilla renewed his push for the measure following the arrest of 14- and 15-year-old suspects linked to the fatal shooting at a school in Tacloban City that left three students dead.
With Congress currently in recess, the senator said the issue requires immediate legislative action.
“Immediate. Kung ganito na… na may namamaril na sa loob ng paaralan,” Padilla said when asked if the measure should be prioritized.
The proposed legislation seeks to amend existing provisions of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act, which currently exempts children aged 15 and below from criminal liability, subject to certain conditions.
Supporters of the proposal argue that lowering the age threshold would help address cases involving minors accused of committing serious crimes.
Opponents, however, have maintained that children in conflict with the law should be treated through intervention, rehabilitation and social welfare programs rather than criminal prosecution.
Padilla has been among the lawmakers advocating for amendments to the current law, saying recent incidents involving minors highlight the need to revisit existing policies on juvenile accountability.
His latest appeal comes as authorities continue investigating the shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, where three people were killed and several others were injured.
Police have taken into custody two minor suspects in connection with the incident.
