Declaration of commitment signed to strengthen the implementation of the JJWA of 2006 0 SHARES Share it! Share TweetBy Ellalyn De Vera-RuizDespite efforts from lawmakers to lower the minimum age of criminal responsibility, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has led the signing of a declaration of commitment to strengthen the implementation of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act (JJWA) of 2006. The declaration expresses the pledge of national government agencies, local government units, civil society organizations, youth advocates, and other stakeholders to exert all efforts to better implement the law. DSWD Secretary Rolando Bautista, who is also the chairperson of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council (JJWC), said the implementation of JJWA has faced some challenges as various issues led to the conclusion that there is a failure in its proper and full implementation. RA 10630, which amended the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006 in 2013, sets the minimum age of criminal liability at 15 but children as young as 12 can be detained in youth care facilities or Bahay Pag-Asa.

Source: Manila Bulletin June 15, 2019 10:41 UTC