Justice for the juveniles

Published by the Visayan Daily Star Publications, Inc.

NINFA R. LEONARDIA Editor-in-Chief & President

CARLA P. GOMEZ Managing Editor ANTONIETA B. LOPEZ Business Editor ODETTE MONTELIBANO Desk Editor MARY ANN BARCELONA Advertising Coordinator RENE GENOVE Bureau Chief, Dumaguete

ANDRES R. LEONARDIA Managing Director

On Tuesday last week, the Philippine Senate passed by unanimous vote the landmark bill that is now known as the Juvenile Justice Bill. The measure has been hailed as great step in the promotion and protection of children's rights and welfare in the country, and has even been lauded by international organizations.

The passage of the bill could not have taken place at a more propitious time. We are now celebrating the advent of the birth of Jesus Christ, often called simply "The Child", being a symbol of the young and the innocent. Christians will easily recall that the coming of Christ was preceded by the killing of little children as ordered by a tyrant who feared the influence of the One whose coming had been prophesied as One who would be the Savior of mankind.

In the case of the Juvenile Justice Bill, it was triggered by the conditions of young people, or those young enough to still be classified as children under United Nations standards, who have committed some violations of the law. As such, they have been herded into detention or in jails that they share with incorrigible or hardened criminals, and who could influence or affect their attitudes and outlooks in life.

To be enacted in early 2006, after it is signed by the President, the implementation will mean that 70 percent of the criminal cases filed against young violators will be dismissed. Those who have already been found responsible for the crimes they have been charged with, will undergo rehabilitation outside the jails.

The bill will also raise the age of criminal liability, provide for the adoption of juvenile delinquency prevention programs, as well as rehabilitation and reintegration.

The passage of this bill into law will mean a big change, and very likely a great difference in the handling of children who have gone afoul of the law. This is indeed a big step in the administration of justice to those who are still not mature enough to realize what it means to violate a law.*