The bill that would lower the age of criminal liability to 10 years old has moved forward in the Senate. According to Senator Robin Padilla, this is only for children involved in heinous crimes such as rape and hold-up.
Padilla clarified that even at a young age, they should already know their responsibilities. He also mentioned the negative influence of the internet on the behavior and thinking of today's youth.
In the interpellation, Senator Raffy Tulfo said that in other countries, the age of criminal liability is even lower — 10 years old in Australia and the United Kingdom, and 7 years old in Brunei and India.
Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa added that there are times when children themselves form the syndicates. When caught, they always show their birth certificate to avoid harsher punishment.
