DSWD rejects lowering age of criminal liability, pushes rehab for CICLs

The Department of Social Welfare and Development reaffirmed its opposition to proposals seeking to lower the minimum age of criminal liability in the country, stressing that the welfare of children in conflict with the law (CICLs) must be protected.

DSWD Secretary Gatchalian said CICLs need guidance and rehabilitation—not imprisonment—to help restore their values, citing the role of facilities such as Bahay Pag-asa.

“The DSWD supports the proposal not to lower the minimum age of criminal liability because we believe that the minds of our youth are not yet fully developed and that facilities like this give them a new life, a new future, and new hope,” Secretary Gatchalian said.

Bahay Pag-asa, located in Valenzuela City and monitored by the DSWD, currently houses 33 children aged 12 to 17.

This year, Senate Bill 372 was filed by Senator Robin Padilla, seeking to lower the minimum age of criminal responsibility to 10 years old for children who commit heinous crimes.

Citing the proposed amendment to the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006, the DSWD reported that CICLs in the facility unanimously opposed the measure, saying it would deprive them of the chance to redeem themselves.

According to the youth, Bahay Pag-asa is enough for them to realize their mistakes and understand the value of life and second chances. Secretary Gatchalian emphasized that the DSWD remains firm in advocating transformation and healing rather than punishment.

“The purpose of Bahay Pag-asa is very clear to our youth. At a young age, it is here that they learn they have made a mistake, but it is also here that they mold a better future in their minds,” the DSWD chief stated.

Secretary Gatchalian underscored that children are capable of change through proper programs and intervention in facilities like Bahay Pag-asa.

“Whatever their dreams may be upon leaving Bahay Pag-asa, it is important that in facilities like these across the country, we restore hope to the youth who may have gone astray or temporarily lost their way. I hope that we support the programs of the DSWD so that we can further strengthen our Bahay Pag-asa facilities,” he said.