Miriam College against lowering age of criminal liability

MANILA, Philippines — The Miriam College community has called on the country’s lawmakers to not lower the minimum age of criminal responsibility from the current 15 years old.

In a statement, the Quezon City-based college said that they uphold the rights of children to live and grow in an environment where they can be safe and nurtured, so they can flourish and become productive members of the country in nation-building.

“We are one with institutions and civil society organizations in expressing strong disagreement with the move to lower the minimum age of criminal liability to below 15 and in calling for a stronger implementation of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006,” Miriam College said.

“We recognize scientific pieces of evidence regarding the biopsychosocial and ecological influences on human development confirming that children below 15 years have yet to have the capacity to discern consequences of their actions, therefore, needing adults for guidance,” the education institution said.