Sen. Raffy Tulfo on Wednesday proposed the establishment of a separate detention facility for minors who commit heinous crimes, stressing that young offenders must understand that every wrongdoing carries consequences.

During the Senate's resumption of its inquiry into youth involvement in violent incidents linked to online platforms and harmful digital communities on July 1, Tulfo said the proposed facility would be distinct from the government’s existing Bahay Pag-asa (BPA) system and would function more like a juvenile detention center with stricter conditions for serious offenders.

“Dapat mapakita natin na mayroong katapat na parusa ang bawat gagawin ninyong kasalanan,” Tulfo said during the hearing.

“That's why I suggest na dapat magpapatayo ng separate facility para doon sa mga bata na nag-commit ng heinous crimes, separate from Bahay Pag-asa. To let them feel and see na kapag ikaw [ay] gumawa ng kasalanan, mayroong consequence,” he added.

He cited what he observed in the United States in proposing the measure.

“Juvenile detention center na talagang kulungan, may mga selda. Bawat bata, pagdating sa gabi, nandoon sila sa kanilang selda to make them feel na sila ay nasa facility para gampanan 'yung parusa na ipinataw sa kanila, hindi para mag-camping and excursion,” he said.

“Hindi 'yung parang pina-pamper sila o bine-baby, tapos after a year pakakawalan,” he added.

The senator also emphasized that children in conflict with the law (CICL) should not be treated the same as hardened criminals, but stressed the need to ensure accountability.

“Naniniwala ako na hindi sila dapat ihalo sa hardened criminals,” he said. “Pero hindi rin dapat mawala ang mensahe na ang bawat aksyon ay may consequences.”

Tulfo also raised concerns over the implementation of the BPA program, citing data from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) that, as of June 27, 2026, only 28 out of 117 operational Bahay Pag-asa facilities have valid accreditation.

He also noted uneven distribution across the country, saying only 33 of 82 provinces have Bahay Pag-asa facilities, while 49 provinces have none. Among highly urbanized cities, 28 of 33 reportedly have facilities, while five do not, including Tacloban City.

Tulfo cited Section 50 of Republic Act No. 9344, or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act, which mandates highly urbanized cities and provincial governments to establish and maintain BPAs facilities.

“Anong nangyari sa LGU ng Tacloban, nasaan napunta ‘yung budget para sa pagtatayo ng Bahay Pag-asa?” Tulfo asked during the hearing.

The Senate inquiry also examined broader factors contributing to youth violence, including exposure to violent content online, bullying, family environment, and peer influence.

In his opening statement, Tulfo said rising incidents involving minors require a broader examination of root causes.

“Padami nang dami ang karahasan na kinasasangkutan ng ating mga kabataan at para solusyunan ito, we have to look at the root of the problem,” he said.

He cited bullying, social media exposure, home environment, and peer pressure as key factors.

“If we want lasting solutions, we cannot afford to examine just one of the pieces of the puzzle. We must see the entire big picture,” he added.

Tulfo also recalled previously urging the Department of Education (DepEd) to improve school security following earlier violent incidents, including proposals for security guards and metal detectors.

He said some schools still lack perimeter fencing, while others have weak or easily breached barriers, alongside a shortage of security personnel.

Citing an article, he noted that Education Secretary Sonny Angara had said the department has only about 2,200 security guards for roughly 48,000 public schools nationwide.

Tulfo said this translates to roughly one guard per school, adding that many schools rely on outsourced security funded through Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE), which he said is limited.

He also cited 2025 budget utilization concerns, claiming that only 56% of certain funds in Tacloban had been used, equivalent to around ₱109.37 million, which he said could have been allocated to CCTV systems, school security guards, and infrastructure improvements.

Tulfo questioned delays in fund utilization and suggested possible irregularities, saying the matter should be investigated.

Senator Risa Hontiveros presided over the Wednesday hearing on the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality, along with Tulfo and Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian.

The panel reopened its investigation into child safety in digital spaces following the June 22 shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, in which two minors allegedly opened fire, killing three students and injuring 20 others.