Senator Escudero seeks evidence-based review of juvenile justice system

Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero on Sunday called on Congress to undertake an evidence-based review of the country's juvenile justice laws following the recent school shooting in Tacloban, saying legislation must evolve to remain responsive to changing circumstances.

Escudero, who co-authored Republic Act No. 9344 or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act and its amendatory law, Republic Act No. 10630, said his role in crafting the measures compels him to support a fresh assessment of the legal framework amid renewed discussions on juvenile accountability, school safety and firearm access.

“Matagal na akong mambabatas at palagi kong sinasabi (na) iisang batas lamang ang inukit sa bato at galing sa Diyos, at ‘yon ang hindi natin pwedeng baguhin. Lahat ng iba pang batas, sinulat lang sa papel … galing ‘yon sa tao. Walang perpektong mambabatas na alam ang lahat para makagawa ng batas na hindi na pwedeng baguhin habang buhay," he said.

He said even the authors of the 1987 Constitution recognized that laws may need to be amended over time because no legislation can anticipate every future challenge.

According to Escudero, revisiting the juvenile justice law should not be interpreted as an admission that lawmakers erred, but rather as a necessary step to ensure legislation keeps pace with present-day realities.

“Dapat bukas kaming lahat na mambabatas sa anumang pagbabago at tingnan ang pagkakataon para pagandahin, ayusin, iwasto, pabilisin, at tiyakin na mas maayos ‘yung mga batas na ating ipapasa alang-alang sa interes ng ating bansa, mga kababayan, at siyempre ang mga kabataang Pilipino," he said.

Escudero also stressed that the existing juvenile justice laws already provide mechanisms for accountability, intervention and rehabilitation for children in conflict with the law, disputing claims that minors cannot be held accountable for offenses.

He said he supports a "full-cycle review" of the juvenile justice system to identify implementation gaps and strengthen measures that balance public safety with the principles of juvenile justice.

“Ang batas ay para sa tao. Kung hindi na tumutugon sa pangangailangan ng panahon, tungkulin naming ayusin at iakma ito,” he added.