MANILA, Philippines — Citing exploitation of criminal syndicates, Senate President Vicento "Tito" Sotto wants to lower the age of criminal liability to 13 years old. The senator filed Senate Bill 2026, which amends Republic Act 9344 or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006, to "adapt to changing times." He also cited a Child Rights International Network study which showed that the average minimum age of criminal responsibility in Africa and Asia is 11 years old, while it is 13 years old in America and Europe. Lowering the age of criminal responsibility from 15 to nine was among the Duterte administration's top priority legislative measure last year. However, the House subcommittee in correctional reforms rejected the bill making children aged at least nine years liable for their crime.

Source: Philippine Star September 25, 2018 06:22 UTC