VP Robredo worries over age lowering of criminal liability

PH's Vice President Leni Robredo               

by Kristine Dela Cruz  via RH News             

Philippines - Vice President Maria Leonora ‘Leni’ Robredo expressed fears about simultaneously reducing the age of criminal liability from 15 years old to nine years old and reinstating the death penalty.

In a press conference at the Office of the VP, Robredo said that these changes in the law could lead to young children being sentenced to death.

Under Republic Act 9344, also known as the Juvenile Delinquency Act of 2006, only individuals 15 years old and above may be criminally charged and punished under the law.

House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez had earlier filed in Congress a Minimum Age of Criminal Responsibility Act intended to lower the age of criminal liability to nine years old.

Robredo also reiterated her strong opposition for the death penalty even if it is contrary to the position of President Rodrigo Duterte.