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Advocates Philippines
Sen. Erwin Tulfo Orders Full Review Of Juvenile Justice Law After Series Of Crimes Involving Minors
Photo credit: Senate PH
Senator Erwin Tulfo is pushing for a comprehensive review of the implementation of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act, saying recent crimes involving minors have exposed serious weaknesses in how the law is being enforced.
As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Social Justice, Welfare, and Rural Development, Tulfo announced that his panel will conduct a full assessment of Republic Act No. 9344, following several high-profile incidents, including the Tacloban shooting and separate stabbing cases in Negros Occidental and Cavite.
According to Tulfo, the review is long overdue, stressing that he has repeatedly raised concerns over what he described as major gaps in the law's implementation.
The senator said his advocacy did not begin when he entered politics. Even during his years as a broadcaster, he encountered numerous victims of crimes committed by minors.
He recalled that as early as 2019, he had already questioned the implementation of the law, citing the lack of funding for Bahay Pag-asa rehabilitation centers and raising concerns about whether the current age of criminal liability remains effective. His experience later as Secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) further reinforced his view that the law's enforcement needed significant improvements.
Tulfo said the Senate inquiry will examine several key issues, including the shortage of operational Bahay Pag-asa facilities, the effectiveness of intervention programs for Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL) and Children at Risk (CAR), as well as the implementation of parental accountability.
The committee will also revisit one of the law's most debated provisions—the minimum age of criminal responsibility—to determine whether it still reflects present-day realities.
The senator emphasized that the goal is not simply to impose tougher measures on minors but to improve a system that balances justice for victims with meaningful rehabilitation for young offenders.
To ensure a thorough review, Tulfo said the committee will gather recommendations from legal experts, law enforcement agencies, social welfare advocates, church leaders, medical professionals, and parents before proposing possible reforms to the law.
As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Social Justice, Welfare, and Rural Development, Tulfo announced that his panel will conduct a full assessment of Republic Act No. 9344, following several high-profile incidents, including the Tacloban shooting and separate stabbing cases in Negros Occidental and Cavite.
According to Tulfo, the review is long overdue, stressing that he has repeatedly raised concerns over what he described as major gaps in the law's implementation.
The senator said his advocacy did not begin when he entered politics. Even during his years as a broadcaster, he encountered numerous victims of crimes committed by minors.
He recalled that as early as 2019, he had already questioned the implementation of the law, citing the lack of funding for Bahay Pag-asa rehabilitation centers and raising concerns about whether the current age of criminal liability remains effective. His experience later as Secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) further reinforced his view that the law's enforcement needed significant improvements.
Tulfo said the Senate inquiry will examine several key issues, including the shortage of operational Bahay Pag-asa facilities, the effectiveness of intervention programs for Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL) and Children at Risk (CAR), as well as the implementation of parental accountability.
The committee will also revisit one of the law's most debated provisions—the minimum age of criminal responsibility—to determine whether it still reflects present-day realities.
The senator emphasized that the goal is not simply to impose tougher measures on minors but to improve a system that balances justice for victims with meaningful rehabilitation for young offenders.
To ensure a thorough review, Tulfo said the committee will gather recommendations from legal experts, law enforcement agencies, social welfare advocates, church leaders, medical professionals, and parents before proposing possible reforms to the law.
Jun 29, 2026
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