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“I understand that there are those who see differently but if you could only try and discern that they are still children, are victims of their circumstance and are still young enough to change their ways.”

By JANESS ANN J. ELLAO
Bulatlat.com

MANILA — A Filipino actress has joined the clamor against the proposed lowering of the minimum age of criminal liability among children.

“I understand that there are those who see differently but if you could only try and discern that they are still children, are victims of their circumstance and are still young enough to change their ways,” said actress Anne Curtis in a Facebook post, coupled with a photo of her wearing a shirt that states: “children not criminals.”

The proposal to lower the minimum age of criminal liability was a controversial issue last year, making it a pertinent election issue during the campaign period. This has been assailed as yet another attempt of the government to abandon children who are in conflict with the law.

Given, however, that opposition senatorial candidates have failed to make it to the so-called “Magic 12,” the proposal to lower the minimum age of criminal liability among children may be expected to regain traction among lawmakers.

Curtis, also the country’s UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, said it is her duty to raise awareness and lend her voice to support the call against the proposed bill.

Instead of lowering the minimum age of criminal responsibility, the actress called for the full implementation of the Republic Act No. 9344 or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006, which provides that children below 15 years old are exempted from criminal liability but will be subjected to an intervention program, such as a child-caring institution under the Social and Welfare department, while those between 15 and 18 years old are to be sent to a youth center and go through rehabilitation programs.

She said, “The JJWA does not see children in conflict with the law as criminals. Rather, it regards them as victims of their circumstances. This law has given these children hope – to change, to become better, and to work for a brighter future.”

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By DEE AYROSO

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There are now only four opposition senators in the opposition, prompting fears that the previously opposed legislations including charter change, the worst of all proposed charter changes according to senatorial bet Neri Colmenares, may soon be resurrected.

By MARYA SALAMAT
Bulatlat.com

MANILA – Amid protests questioning the integrity and results of the elections, the Commissions on Elections (Comelec) hastened to finish the canvassing of senatorial votes until late evening of May 21 to proclaim the new senators early today, May 22. They rolled out the red carpet for the arriving senators, mostly President Duterte’s candidates, who posed for the cameras ala Oscars award night before walking into the Philippine International Convention Center.

Former First Lady Imelda Marcos, widow of deposed strongman Ferdinand Marcos and convicted of seven cases of corruption last November, arrived at the PICC ahead of her daughter and new Senator Imee Marcos. Duterte’s “Tol” Francis Tolentino who, like Imelda, is a former chair of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), walked the red carpet alone.

Movie and TV actors Lito Lapid and Bong Revilla regained their Senatorial seats. Actress Susan Roces accompanied daughter and reelected Senator Grace Poe, an independent candidate supported by progressive groups.

Sons and daughters of past politicians returned to the Senate and beat other sons of politicians. Senators Pia Cayetano, Sonny Angara, Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III were proclaimed as Senators again. Senator Nancy Binay narrowly beat JV Ejercito, who was followed in the ranking by Bam Aquino and Jinggoy Estrada.

After proclaiming the winning senators, the Comelec held a press conference. It did not give answers to questions about rampant vote-buying, police and state military involvement in the campaign, and worse glitches in the automated elections, but said all the issues encountered before, during and after the elections will be discussed in Comelec’s “post-assessment.” Comelec Commissioner Shariff Abas said they “stand by the credibility of the election.”

Tougher times ahead for human rights

There are now only four opposition senators in the opposition, prompting fears that the previously opposed legislations including charter change, the worst of all proposed charter changes according to former Bayan Muna Neri Colmenares, may soon be resurrected.

As it is, new laws are currently being approved that the country’s basic sectors have long opposed. The Senate, for example, approved recently on final reading the Senate Bill 1571, or the “compressed work week,” which Anakpawis Party-list Representative Ariel Casilao described as contemptuous of the historical legacy of the Filipino workers’ movement that struggled for the eight-hour work day and protection of workers’ rights and welfare. He described it as a measure to boost the country’s “labor market efficiency” or labor flexibility, on which the World Bank claims the country is at a low rank.

The labor group Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) lamented that no sooner had the sessions in the Senate and Congress reopened and here, “they are already rushing the passage of the law on Compressed Workweek strongly opposed by the workers.”

Elmer Labog, chairperson of KMU, warned that President Duterte has more sinister plans for the people that he may now force through more easily with the proclamation of “fake winners” of the senatorial elections.

With the likes of new Senator Imee Marcos, and new Senator Ronaldo “Bato” dela Rosa who implemented Duterte’s bloody drug war as former police chief, “what do you expect will happen with our human rights,?” asked Cristina Palabay, secretary general of human rights alliance Karapatan.

Palabay urges the Filipino people to support their call for the enactment of a law protecting human rights defenders. She warned that we are in for a Martial Law “reload.”

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