MANILA — Senator Risa Hontiveros opposed proposals to lower the minimum age of criminal responsibility following recent crimes involving minors, but expressed support for reviewing and strengthening the country’s juvenile justice law.

In a report, it said that speaking at a forum in Manila, Hontiveros said she is open to amending Republic Act No. 9344, or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act, to improve its implementation.

“Tutol ako sa pagpapababa ng minimum age for criminal responsibility,” Hontiveros said. “Pero sang-ayon ako na dapat i-review at i-evaluate at kung kinakailangan i-amend para palakasin yung Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act.”

The senator said amendments should focus on making intervention and diversion programs for children in conflict with the law (CICL) more comprehensive and effective.

“Kasama na ang mga nakakagawa ng heinous crimes sa mga kapwa bata tulad nang sa Tacloban and always, always based sa principle ng best interest of the child,” she said.

Calls to amend the law and lower the minimum age of criminal responsibility intensified after the June 22 shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, where three students were killed.

On Thursday, the mother of Grade 9 student Joyancee Separa, one of the victims, also expressed support for the proposal.

Authorities said two minors, aged 14 and 15, opened fire inside the school in Barangay San Jose, leaving three students dead and several others injured.

According to the Police Regional Office 8, criminal charges have been filed against the 15-year-old student allegedly involved in the shooting, while both children in conflict with the law have been turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Tacloban City.

Under the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006, children aged 14 and below at the time an offense is committed are exempt from criminal liability and are instead placed under intervention programs.

Children aged 15 but below 18 are likewise exempt from criminal liability unless it is established that they acted with discernment or understood the nature and consequences of their actions.

In such cases, the law provides child-focused legal processes, and minors may qualify for diversion programs or receive suspended sentences until they reach the age of 18.