Friday, June 22, 2007 DSWD contradicts PRO claims new law behind rise in crimes By Carlo P. Mallo
THE Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act (JJWA) of 2006 may have been prematurely implemented.
Social Welfare and Development Secretary Esperanza Cabral said there is still a need to put up the holding centers and other facilities that are provided in the provisions of the law.
However, in an interview Thursday, Cabral asserted that the increase in the number of juvenile delinquents cannot be directly attributed to the implementation of the law. "There are more minors now than there were before, that's why," she said.
The most number of juvenile delinquents, based on the statistics of the department, is in the National Capital Region (NCR).
"NCR has the most number of people in the country, and more than half are below 19 years old," Cabral said.
Cabral in effect contradicted the claim of the Davao Regional Police Office that the over 100 percent increase in cases of crimes committed by minors was a result of the implementation of the JJWA.
The Police Regional Office (PRO) blamed the law for the increased aggressiveness of the minors in committing crimes.
However, Cabral suggested that the best way to resolve the problem of minors is proper population management. "(Population) affects everything," she said.
She also suggested that the local government units be made to read the law and its implementing rules and guidelines.
"It is necessary for everyone to have a full and thorough knowledge of the law in order for it to be properly implemented," Cabral said.
Educating the communities would also be important in order for everyone to have a thorough understanding and appreciation of the law.
The Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006 has been hit by criticisms from various sectors of the society. One of its staunchest critics, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, has lambasted the law for its various loopholes.
The law was authored by reelected Senator Francis Pangilinan.
