House justice panel approves bill lowering age of criminal liability

(Eagle News)–The House of Representatives justice panel approved on Monday, Jan. 21, approved a bill seeking to lower the age of criminal liability from 15 years old to nine years old.

The approval came despite opposition from Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosas.

In a previous statement, House Speaker Gloria Arroyo said she would move for the approval of the bill in support of President Rodrigo Duterte’s request.

The approval came after children aged 4 to 15 were rescued by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Navotas, allegedly because they were being used as drug couriers by criminals.

PDEA said Duterte, who won on an anti-illegal drugs platform, has announced he would meet with the children.