PH senators call for reforms, lowering age of criminal liability after Tacloban school shooting

Senator Loren Legarda on Tuesday (June 23, 2026) said the school shooting in Tacloban must push the government to intensify efforts to address critical challenges facing our youth. Specifically, she highlighted the need to tackle violence, mental health concerns, and access to firearms.

The incident on Monday (June 22, 2026) left three students dead and seven others wounded. Authorities said the suspects were students aged 14 and 15.

"This attack demands that we face a hard and disturbing reality. The suspects are themselves minors. By the time a child has a gun in their hands and carries it into a classroom, the people and systems meant to protect them have already failed," Legarda said in a news release.

"That does not diminish their accountability for their actions and to the families of the victims who appeal for justice. But it should make us confront the warning signs we miss, the help that reaches our young people too late, and the ease with which a minor can get hold of a gun. Hindi na dapat maulit ang ganitong karahasan. Tungkulin nating tiyakin na sila’y ligtas sa bawat silid-aralan," she said.

The senator said no one should feel unsafe in school.

"Paano pa magkakaroon ng kapanatagan ang bawat magulang sa ganitong kalagayan? No child should ever fear for their safety within the walls of a school, a place meant to nurture learning, growth, and hope," Legarda said.

LOWERING AGE OF CRIMINAL LIABILITY

Meanwhile, Senator Robin Padilla has called on his fellow lawmakers to prioritize amendments to the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act, including a proposal to lower the minimum age of criminal liability to 10 years old, following the fatal school shooting in Tacloban City.

Under Republic Act No. 9344, children 15 years old and below are exempt from criminal liability, although they may be subjected to intervention programs by social welfare authorities.

“Sa aking mga kasamang senador, sana bigyan niyo naman ho ng panahon at pagkakataon ‘yung aking panukala, i-amend na natin ‘yang Juvenile ano na ‘yan,” Padilla said to reporters.

“Kasi talagang ang dami na eh, nasa mukha na natin. Alam ninyo, hindi lang dito sa Pilipinas na merong ganiyan na yung edad eh ibinababa,” he added.

Padilla also noted that the 14-year-old suspect will not face criminal liability under the law but will undergo intervention from the social welfare office. The 15-year-old suspect, meanwhile, will be assessed to determine whether he acted with discernment, which could lead to the filing of appropriate charges.

He said he has been sharing similar cases involving minors on social media, including incidents of rape, murder, and robbery.

Padilla also suggested that the matter may warrant urgent legislative attention, even a special session if necessary.

“Immediate, kung ganito na nagagaya na tayo sa Amerika na may namamaril na sa loob ng paaralan, siguro ito yung panahon na kung seseryosihin natin ito, ito yung pang-special session,” Padilla said.

He added that the Philippines has historically adopted legal frameworks and best practices from other countries, and said lowering the age of criminal liability should not be treated differently.

Meanwhile, Senator Kiko Pangilinan issued a strong condemnation of the attack, expressing sympathy for the victims’ families and calling for accountability under existing laws.

-Paraluman News

“Taos-puso akong nakikiramay sa mga naiwan ng mga nasawi.”

“Mariin kong kinokondena ang pamamaril na nangyari sa loob ng paaralan.”

“Walang lugar ang karahasan sa ating lipunan, lalong-lalo na sa mga lugar na dapat ay ligtas para sa mga bata.”

He urged the strict and proper implementation of the Juvenile Justice Law, stressing that suspects—regardless of age—should not simply be released but must undergo legal procedures.

“Nananawagan ako ng mabilis, ganap, at tamang pagpapatupad ng Juvenile Justice Law. Hindi pwedeng pakawalan ang mga suspek kahit menor de edad. Dapat dumaan sila sa prosesong itinakda ng batas.”

Pangilinan also emphasized that parents may be held liable if negligence is established, and that the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) should extend support to victims and their families until justice is served, in line with the law.