It’s 12-years worldwide — UN

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra announces during a press briefing in Malacañang. LOZANO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

The Department of Justice (DoJ) is firm on its recommendation to lower the minimum criminal responsibility (MACR) of children to 12-years-old – the worldwide average standard age for juvenile delinquency, according to a United Nations (UN) study.

At present, the MACR for children is at 15 years old.

But Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra brushed aside insinuations that government is targeting children in drug cases and other crimes in pushing the lowering of the criminal liability age to 12.

The Justice chief said he doesn’t think children are the principal targets in drug cases and other crimes like theft or robbery.

He said children are often used by adults to commit or help commit a crime to hide their involvement.

Guevarra, however, confirmed the DoJ had recommended to Malacañang the lowering of criminal liability after a study was made upon request by President Rodrigo Duterte.

He added that the Office of the President asked the DoJ to submit an official position on the MACR.

Guevarra cited a UN study about the worldwide average of criminal liability imposed on children from 12-years old and above.

As early as November 2016, according to Guevarra, the DoJ had wanted to lower the MACR under former Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre ll.

Aguirre wanted to lower the age of criminal liability to 13-years old. The issue, however, was yet ripe for debate before he resigned.

But the new Justice chief allayed fears that more children will be sent away for drug offenses.

He said if children are used by criminal elements as drug couriers, they will be safer at Bahay Pag-asa facilities than mingle with drug dealers and other criminal elements.

In 28 January, the House of Representatives approved House Bill 8858 that seeks to lower the current MACR from 15 to 12.

Congressmen had initially wanted the MACR for children at nine years old.

The bill wants children in conflict with the law sent to the Pag-asa center for intervention. Rape, murder or violation of the Dangerous Drugs Act are among the more serious cases that will warrant their stay at the center.

Several sectors have voiced opposition to the bill.