The Cebu Provincial Board (PB) has approved a resolution supporting proposals to lower the minimum age of criminal responsibility, following a school shooting in Tacloban City where two minors were arrested. The resolution, authored by PB Member Dason Larenz Lagon, was passed on July 6, 2026, and a copy was provided to SunStar Cebu on July 9.
Background: Tacloban School Shooting
The measure was prompted by the June 22, 2026 shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, which killed three students and injured at least 20 others. Police arrested two suspects, aged 14 and 15, in connection with the attack.
Resolution Details
The resolution supports amending Republic Act (RA) 9344, or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006, which currently exempts children aged 15 or younger from criminal liability. It cites the Philippine National Police's (PNP) call to lower the minimum age from 15 to 12 due to an increase in reported cases involving children in conflict with the law. The PB argues that minors are now involved in offenses ranging from petty crimes to heinous acts, stating, "It is deeming and appropriate for the 17th Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Cebu to strongly support the matter in reducing the age of criminal liability to minors."
Existing Law and PNP Position
Under RA 9344, children aged 15 or younger are exempt from criminal liability but must undergo intervention programs. Those older than 15 but younger than 18 are also exempt unless they acted with discernment. The PNP supports amending the law but emphasizes that discernment should remain a factor in determining liability.
Conflicting Data from DSWD
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), citing Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council data, reports that cases involving children in conflict with the law have generally declined since peaking at 26,850 in 2017. From January to June 2025, only 5,698 cases were recorded. DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian has not endorsed lowering the minimum age but said the department is willing to participate in legislative discussions.
Presidential Stance
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has stated that the proposal requires careful study and expressed openness to reviewing any measures passed by Congress. Any reduction in the minimum age would require Congress to amend RA 9344.
