Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan pushed back against what he described as widespread misinformation about the country’s Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act following a deadly school shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City on Monday, June 22.
In a statement, Pangilinan said minors involved in crimes are not exempt from accountability, stressing that the law provides clear legal processes and interventions.
“May pananagutan. May proseso. May mga intervention upang matiyak na hindi na ito mauulit.”
The senator also emphasized that parents may be held liable if they fail to prove they exercised proper care and supervision over their children.
He added that the government, particularly the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), has the responsibility to provide support to victims and their families.
Pangilinan underscored that it is illegal to release minors involved in crimes without due process, warning that those who violate the law face penalties.
“Ang tunay na hamon ay hindi ang pagpapakalat ng takot at disinformation, kundi ang ganap na pagpapatupad ng batas at pagtiyak na may hustisya, accountability, at proteksyon para sa lahat ng bata,” he said.
His remarks came amid renewed public debate over the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act following the Tacloban shooting, which involved minors.
Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council Executive Director Tricia Oco said minors aged above 15 may face charges, while those below 15 are still subject to government intervention, especially in serious cases.
“Dahil napaka-seryoso nung crime, maaari siyang kunin ng gobyerno, kukunin siya sa pamilya niya,” Oco said in an interview on DZRH’s Public Service Hour on Monday.
“Tatanggalin yung kalayaan niya at ipapa-undergo siya nung tinatawag natin na intensive intervention program para hindi na maulit.”
She added that authorities must also ensure support systems for victims, noting that children affected by such incidents may suffer trauma and require targeted programs.
Pangilinan reiterated that the law already provides mechanisms for accountability, parental responsibility, and state intervention, but its full implementation remains a challenge.
“Nariyan yung batas. Ang challenge talaga is to implement it in full. Huwag po tayong maniniwala sa kasinungalingan na paulit-ulit na ginagawang disinformation campaign labas sa batas na ito,” he said.
According to police, three fatalities were confirmed, while one victim remains in critical condition.
Furthermore, authorities said 15 individuals suffered gunshot wounds and five others were injured in non-bullet-related incidents.
Investigation remains ongoing.
