'PNoy no final stand yet on juvenile justice law'

While some of his Cabinet members have spoken on the issue, President Benigno Aquino III has not yet made a stand on calls to amend the Juvenile Justice Law amid the recent involvement of young children in criminal activities. “The president will study all inputs from all sides. As to age, some noted there have been offenders as young as seven years old, that is something to be studied. But there are also those who say it is a matter of genuine correction and rehabilitation," Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte on Saturday said on government-run dzRB radio. Also, she pointed out Aquino has not said anything publicly recently on the issue. On the other hand, she said Aquino may also have a chance to study the matter should Congress pass a measure to amend the law, which exempts those 15 years old and below from being arrested and charged. “I don’t remember the president (saying) anything recently on this despite ang pinaguusapan diyan because (the issue involving) the use of children by certain syndicates to commit crimes," she said. On Friday, secretaries Leila de Lima (justice) and Corazon Soliman (social welfare) said they do not see the need to amend the existing law. A press release on the Department of Social Welfare and Development website said the two secretaries rejected proposals to lower the age of criminal liability from 15 to nine. They insisted juveniles in conflict with the law are victims of circumstances beyond their control and should be treated as individuals with problems who need help. “We are aware of the stand taken by the two secretaries," Valte said, but added the government also has to assess the possibility of criminal syndicates exploiting the law by using young children. — LBG, GMA News