Saturday, August 18, 2007 Dad: Council’s study on juvenile law 90% complete By Grace L. Plata
THE City Council's study and recommendations on the much-debated Republic Act 9344 or the Juvenile Justice Act of 2006 is 90 percent complete, said Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang.
Dayanghirang, also chair of the council’s committee on peace and public safety, is set to propose a resolution asking the office of Senator Francis Pangilinan to consider the review and amendment of the law.
Dayanghirang said the resolution must have factual and statistical support, hence during his committee hearings he has solicited the help of the police and barangay captains to compile data on incidents involving youth offenders.
"We are going to carefully study the matter and the statistics to come up with solid recommendations to improve the law," Dayanghirang said.
He added that one of the most important considerations is to downgrade the age of responsibility from 15 to 12 years old as well as how to come up with funding that will sustain the interventions that the youngsters need for recovery.
In an earlier statement, Councilor Ma. Belen Sunga-Acosta said that in her recent trip to Manila, Pangilinan's chief of staff said the senator is seriously considering and committing to jumpstart the review.
However, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte earlier said the damage, which has been caused by the premature implementation of the law, cannot be undone and blames Pangilinan for it.
