The bill filed seeking an enhanced administration of the juvenile justice system, and creating the Office of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention under the Department of Justice, was passed on third reading yesterday, Rep. Jose Carlos Lacson (Neg. Occ., 3rd district) said.

House Bill 5065 underscored the need for a humane, effective and fair treatment of youth in conflict with the law at all stages of legal proceedings - apprehension, investigation, prosecution, adjudication and follow-up, he said.

The promotion of the well-being of juvenile offenders should be paramount than extracting retribution, the solon stressed, adding that a comprehensive and integrated juvenile justice system should be established in the country, the bill states.

Lacson cited the constitutional mandate to "recognize the vital role of the youth in nation-building and promote and protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual and social well-being." He also said the measure is in consonance with the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Administration of Juvenile Systems.

Lacson added that the State has the responsibility to provide the youth with care, support and understanding, especially during times when they experience confusion and complexities of life, prompting them to commit acts of delinquency.*GCT

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