DSWD welcomes new law on juvenile justice

MANILA, Philippines - Social Welfare Secretary Corazon Soliman welcomed the recent signing of the law that strengthens the country’s juvenile justice system.

Soliman thanked Congress and President Aquino for the passage and enactment of Republic Act 10630 or the Act Strengthening the Juvenile Justice System in the Philippines, which amends RA 9344 or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006.

“This is a clear manifestation of the Aquino government’s unwavering commitment to provide a protective and enabling environment for Filipino children to grow safely and become useful citizens of the country,” said Soliman, who is also the chair of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council.

She said that the biggest achievement of the amended law is the provision of a comprehensive and effective intervention program aimed at curbing the involvement of children in crimes.

She explained that RA 9344 was amended to ensure a more focused intervention for children involved in serious crimes, especially those who are below the minimum age of criminal responsibility.

“An effective intervention for serious crimes had always been the bone of contention and the amendment has clarified the process,” Soliman said.

It became clear during deliberations at the House of Representatives and Senate that crimes among the young could be linked to poverty. Poor children who are in conflict with the law are more vulnerable to abuses, so they need a more effective intervention to change their behavior.

Soliman also said that bulk of the funding for the law was earmarked for the establishment of reformation centers for children in conflict with the law.