Press Release
August 7, 2007

AMMENDMENTS: YES; REPEAL: NO!
Kiko on the Implementation of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act

"I thank the Chief of Police of Cebu City, Patrocino Comendador, for his inputs. I agree with the Chief, that the State ought to offer the best diversion and rehabilitative services for our children. I thank also the numerous social workers and members of civil society who have tirelessly endeavored to promote the merits of the law and implement it inspite of many difficulties in logistics and resources.

I must clarify that there is no such thing as a perfect law. We are open to a review of the law with the end in view of looking at certain amendments that would address some of the issues raised, but we are against the repeal of the law. We cannot go back to how it was before, and return those kids back in jail with adult offenders and hardened criminals.

I am determined to continue working with the JJWC, the Juvenile Justice Network of NGO's and also the UNICEF to promote the strong implementation of this law, and to continue to urge the Executive and the LGU's to provide the necessary infrastructure, budgetary requirements for additional social workers and psychologists to man rehabilitation centers and to implement diversion programs.

It is fortunate that having just come from the Legislative - Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) meeting, we explained the need for support for the implementation of the law, hence she has instructed the Budget secretary to release an initial PhP 50 million. I too worry over the reports that 62% of the crimes were committed by juveniles in Cebu City, which is why I will explore with Mayor Tommy Osmeña and Mrs. Margot Osmeña, what we can do to help convert Operation Second Chance into a larger rehabilitation facility.

We will call on the JJ Welfare Council, particularly the DSWD, the DOJ, the PNP and members of the NGO sector to pilot test more creative solutions especially in the city of Cebu, to deter this resurgence of crimes committed by children. We should not destroy our country's children's future by letting the masterminds and financiers of these syndicates go scot free however and we urge the men and women of Cebu City's police to go after them first and foremost.

But what is clear also is that we cannot regress and have those children in conflict with the law to again be criminally prosecuted, tried and made to serve a criminal sentence side by side with adult criminals. We expose them to terrible crimes like rape, and other forms of sexual and psychological abuse. By referring them to the old criminal system of justice, we expose them to masterminds of criminal syndicates and they end up more desensitized to wrongdoings, and unable to return to society as reformed and responsible members of society.

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