Child justice council rejects lowering age of criminal responsibility

The Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council in the Philippines has firmly rejected efforts to reduce the minimum age of criminal responsibility, emphasizing that research hasn't proven that tougher laws effectively curb youth violence. The council argues that understanding the underlying causes of youth violence is crucial rather than simply lowering the age at which children can be held criminally accountable. This stance highlights a broader debate about the effectiveness of punitive measures versus rehabilitative approaches in addressing juvenile delinquency.