New Juvenile Justice Law in the Philippines

With the signing of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act 2006 by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the Philippines introduced a new . Among the many provisions seeking to protect children in conflict with the law, the legislation calls for restorative justice to be an integral part of the new system Juvenile Justice system. In outlining the principles of Juvenile Justice, the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act 2006 calls for restorative justice to be incorporated into all “laws, policies and programmes applicable to children in conflict with the law.” It defines restorative justice as a principle which requires a process of resolving conflicts with the maximum involvement of the victim, the offender and the community. It seeks to obtain reparation for the victim; reconciliation of the offender, the offended and the community; and reassurance to the offender that he/she can be reintegrated into society. It also enhances public safety by activating the offender, the victim and the community in prevention strategies. (http://www.restorativejustice.org)

But as what we can see in our society right now, a lot of minors are involved in different crimes like drugs, killings, and etc. Are this children appropriate to be given privilege to escape imprisonment? because obviously, they are abusing the law that was given to protect them and their rights as minors. 

If you will ask me if I am in favor of this law, I would refuse. This is because I could not deny the fact that the children of this generation is much aggressive and violent because of their exposure to violence on television, movies etc. 

This should be given attention by our new government. They should know what is the right action to control this abusive act by minors who are commiting major crimes. It is really sad to see that the law that is proposed to save and help protect children was abuse and is use to commit crimes that are very unexpected for children to do. 

What is RH Bill all about ?

The Reproductive Health bills, popularly known as the RH Bill , are Philippine bills aiming to guarantee universal access to methods and information on birth control and maternal care. The bills have become the center of a contentious national debate. There are presently two bills with the same goals: House Bill No. 4244 or An Act Providing for a Comprehensive Policy on Responsible Parenthood, Reproductive Health, and Population and Development, and For Other Purposes introduced by Albay 1st district Representative Edcel Lagman, and Senate Bill No. 2378 or An Act Providing For a National Policy on Reproductive Health and Population and Development introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago.

While there is general agreement about its provisions on maternal and child health, there is great debate on its key proposal that the Philippine government and the private sector will fund and undertake widespread distribution of family planning devices such as condoms, birth control pills (BCPs) and IUDs, as the government continues to disseminate information on their use through all health care centers.

The bill is highly divisive, with experts, academics, religious institutions, and major political figures supporting and opposing it, often criticizing the government and each other in the process. Debates and rallies for and against the bill, with tens of thousand participating, have been happening all over the country. 

The first time the Reproductive Health Bill was proposed was in 1998. During the present 15th Congress, the RH Bills filed are those authored by (1) House Minority Leader Edcel Lagman of Albay, HB 96; (2) Iloilo Rep. Janette Garin, HB 101, (3) Akbayan Representatives Kaka Bag-ao & Walden Bello; HB 513, (4) Muntinlupa Representative Rodolfo Biazon, HB 1160, (5) Iloilo Representative Augusto Syjuco, HB 1520, (6) Gabriela Rep. Luzviminda Ilagan. In the Senate, Sen. Michael Angelo F. Perolina has filed her own version of the RH bill which, she says, will be part of the country’s commitment to international covenants. On January 31, 2011, the House of Representatives Committee on Population and Family Relations voted to consolidate all House versions of the bill, which is entitled An Act Providing for a Comprehensive Policy on Responsible Parenthood, Reproductive Health and Population Development and for Other Purposes.

One of the main concerns of the bill, according to the Explanatory Note, is that the population of the Philippines makes it “the 10th most populous nation in the world today”, that the Filipino women’s fertility rate is “at the upper bracket of 206 countries.” It states that studies and surveys “show that the Filipinos are responsive to having smaller-sized families through free choice of family planning methods.” It also refers to studies which “show that rapid population growth exacerbates poverty while poverty spawns rapid population growth.” And so it aims for improved quality of life through a “consistent and coherent national population policy.”

In 1975, the United States adopted as its policy the National Security Study Memorandum 200: Implications of Worldwide Population Growth for U.S. Security and Overseas Interests (NSSM200). The policy gives "paramount importance" to population control measures and the promotion of contraception among 13 populous countries, including the Philippines to control rapid population growth which they deem to be inimical to the socio-political and economic growth of these countries and to the national interests of the United States, since the "U.S. economy will require large and increasing amounts of minerals from abroad", and these countries can produce destabilizing opposition forces against the United States. It recommends the US leadership to "influence national leaders" and that "improved world-wide support for population-related efforts should be sought through increased emphasis on mass media and other population education and motivation programs by the U.N., USIA, and USAID." (Wikipedia)

This said RH bill is the main issue wherein the government of the Philippines and the catholic church argue. This is due to their different beliefs and understanding about the said RH bill . For the government RH bill is a helpful remedy for controlling birth production because of overpopulation and maternal care for the women. But the catholic disagrees to this idea. It is because the catholic church believes that RH bill or birth control is the same as abortion. And because of this, the church is believing that when RH bill is approved by the president, many people will commit sin. This is because people will feel free of having sex to anyone at anytime because they knew that they have protection against sexually transmitted diseases like HIV/AIDS and because of the fact that they knew that contraceptives could stop pregnancy so that they could feel no responsibility of being a parent. 

For me, this will serve as a challenge for our government to prove that corruption is not the main reason of our country's low economic status but overpopulation is the main cause of over crowding and unemployment of the people that eventually results in lack of income of the family. This would also test the understanding and knowledge of the people of the Philippines if they are aware of whats happening here in our country and decide what would be the best choice for our country's improvement.

Remember that in all action, we should always think critically and should comprehend outside the box.  Always think twice before choosing and consider the risks of your decision. Because carelessness is the main cause of wrong or improper result.

Hopefully, we could resolve this issue and live happily. At the end, the family still have the right to choose what they think is the best for them and their children. Thank you.