2 female lawmakers disagree with the resolution being pushed in congress to lower the age of criminal responsibility from 15 to 9 years old.
They can be reformed
House Deputy Speaker Sharon Garin shares, “If you ask me right now na kung ang ibig sabihin lowering of age of criminal responsibility is you put them in prison 9 years old sila, they commit a crime you put them there I cannot agree with you kasi 9 years old they can be reformed.”
Deputy Speaker Sharon Garin also pointed out that she has a 9-year-old that will be turning 10 this September.
“The parents have the responsibility to do that and they should be the ones liable for any crimes naco-commit ng bata because kulang sa guidance eh,” she adds.
They’re also victims
Meanwhile, Bagong Henerasyon party-list Rep. Bernadette Herrera Dy adds that minors who are used to commit crimes are also victims themselves.
She said, “Run after those who are using them. Bakit mo ikukulong yung bata? Bakit di mo ikulong yung gumagamit sa kanila?”
She also added that if the age of criminal responsibility should be lowered, then the 9-year-olds should be allowed to drive cars, and carry guns.
“Eh di sana payagan na natin sila magmaneho. Payagan natin sila kumuha ng baril. If we will give them the punishment as adults then why are we not giving them rights as adults as well. Nandito tayo, kami bilang mambabatas to protect our children,” she shares.
According to her, PNP data shows that only 2% of crimes are committed by children, compared to the 98% committed by adults.
Hopefully, the congress would listen to the voice of reason and not lower the age of criminal responsibility to 9, as it would only create more problems than solutions.
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
READ: 5 Reasons why the age of criminal responsibility should not be lowered from 15 to 9 years old
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