UNDER 1518: THE LEGALITY OF SANCTION

AMONG CHILDREN ABIDING THE CODE OF LAW

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A Research Proposal Prepared to

Mrs. Ama Katrina G. Isanan

Notre Christi Academy of the Philippines

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In Partial Fulfilment of the Requirement for

Practical Research 2

General Academic Strand

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By:

Lynnette S. Gloria
 July 1, 2019

I. Benefits

Republic Act (RA) 9344 or the Juvenile Justice Act of 2006 which exempts 15- to 18-year-olds from

criminal liability. "Child" refers to a person under the age of eighteen (18) years old. This year the

Philippines lowers their age of crime responsibility from the minimum of fifthteen (15) to twelve (12)

years of age. Lowering the age of criminal liability heated up when the House justice committee approved

House Bill (HB) 8858 on January 22, 2019. Under the proposed bill, children aged 9 to below 15 will

face criminal charges if found guilty of committing serious crimes. These crimes include kidnapping,

murder, parricide, infanticide, and serious illegal detention, two days later, the committee increased the

minimum age of criminal responsibility (MACR) from 9 to 12. Which the (UNICEF) s deeply concerned

about lowering the minimum age of criminal responsibility in the Philippines below 15 years of age.

There is a lack of evidence and data that children are responsible for the increase in crime rates

committed in the Philippines. Lowering the age of criminal responsibility will not deter adult offenders

from abusing children to commit crimes. UNICEF supports the Philippine government, as a signatory to

the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), to ensure that children grow up in a

safe environment protected from crime and violence. According to them detaining children will not teach

them accountability for their actions. In order to maximize their potential to contribute to nation-building,
children must grow up in a caring, nurturing and protective environment. This requires strong parenting

support programs and access to health, education and social services as well as to child-sensitive justice

and social welfare systems. But in the case of minors and their age of accountability as criminals, the

proposal to lower the age bar to nine years of age was prompted by a series of shocking crimes that were

committed by minors younger than 15 years of age and have thus escaped criminal prosecution. In many

of these crimes, it was determined that the under 15 offender premeditated the foul deed. Lowering the

age bar for minors to be criminally prosecuted is heavily premised on changed global conditions.

Opportunities for learning the realities of life have been enhanced by technological developments most

notably the computer and the mobile phone. Kids can satisfy their interest in the human reproductive

organ by simply visiting easily accessible websites. They can even provide us seniors and adults with the

links where we can view celebrity “skin” displays.

This study will show us the both pros and cons of lowering the age of criminal responsibility. On

what will be the effect on the society and changes that could occur. The study will also give glimpse of

what will happen to the so called children against the law. Also the previous history on the issue of crime

on minor ages. What and who are pro and against it. This study will give the readers what will be the

effect positive or negative to the society.

II. Connection to the Society

This will give a big impact on the society because if affects the children who the people believes

to be the biggest asset as of what the national hero says that the children is the hope of this country.

Changing just the age bracket gives a big impact on how children should act and think through things.

A big responsibility given to children twelve and above years of age to be conscious about his/her

actions that can lead to treason and also the parents to guide and orient their children. This will affect

the livelihood and justice system of the society for the children to be mature and responsible enough

and understanding that being a child does not means that you will be immune on crimes you commit.
"Child" refers to a person under the age of eighteen (18) years.