Criminal liability: At what age?

I am a mother of four and I don’t see anything wrong if our government will set the age of criminal liability to 12 years old. First, we cannot deny that many of our youth are already involved in criminal cases and many of them are being released or just turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Many reacted to this issue. Human rights advocates, some lawmakers, left leaning groups and the Commission on Human Rights are appealing and encouraging everyone to oppose it. 

I think setting this age is just right since many have already become victims of these young children in conflict with the law. Some of them are being used by syndicates because they know that these children will not be punished and do not go to jail. Some are being used by terrorist groups and proofs are being shown already. The terrorist BIFF, Abu Sayyaf, ISIS-Maute are using children as their warriors which is very alarming.

However, even though I support the bill, still, parents and guardians of these children should also be given punishment since they are the ones responsible for the development and upbringing of these innocent children.

To the people who are against the approval of this bill, we should be open minded. Yes, children will not become criminals, if they are taught and guided properly. – Jasmina Eleonor Manzana, Kawit, Cavite