Republic of the Philippines The participation of children in the program and policy formulation and

Congress of the Philippines implementation related to juvenile justice and welfare shall be ensured by
Metro Manila the concerned government agency.

Thirteenth Congress (c) The State likewise recognizes the right of children to assistance,
Second Regular Session including proper care and nutrition, and special protection from all forms of
neglect, abuse, cruelty and exploitation, and other conditions prejudicial to
their development.

(d) Pursuant to Article 40 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of

the Child, the State recognizes the right of every child alleged as, accused
Begun and held in Metro Manila, on Monday, the twenty-fifth day of July, two of, adjudged, or recognized as having infringed the penal law to be treated in
thousand and five. a manner consistent with the promotion of the child's sense of dignity and
worth, taking into account the child's age and desirability of promoting
Republic Act No. 9344             his/her reintegration. Whenever appropriate and desirable, the State shall
adopt measures for dealing with such children without resorting to judicial
AN ACT ESTABLISHING A COMPREHENSIVE JUVENILE JUSTICE AND proceedings, providing that human rights and legal safeguards are fully
WELFARE SYSTEM, CREATING THE JUVENILE JUSTICE AND WELFARE respected. It shall ensure that children are dealt with in a manner
COUNCIL UNDER THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, APPROPRIATING FUNDS appropriate to their well-being by providing for, among others, a variety of
THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES disposition measures such as care, guidance and supervision orders,
counseling, probation, foster care, education and vocational training
programs and other alternatives to institutional care.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:
(e) The administration of the juvenile justice and welfare system shall take
into consideration the cultural and religious perspectives of the Filipino
TITLE I people, particularly the indigenous peoples and the Muslims, consistent with
GOVERNING PRINCIPLES the protection of the rights of children belonging to these communities.

CHAPTER 1 (f) The State shall apply the principles of restorative justice in all its laws,
TITLE, POLICY AND DEFINITION OF TERMS policies and programs applicable to children in conflict with the law.

Section 1. Short Title and Scope. - This Act shall be known as the "Juvenile SEC. 3. Liberal Construction of this Act. - In case of doubt, the interpretation of
Justice and Welfare Act of 2006." It shall cover the different stages involving any of the provisions of this Act, including its implementing rules and regulations
children at risk and children in conflict with the law from prevention to rehabilitation (IRRs), shall be construed liberally in favor of the child in conflict with the law.
and reintegration.
SEC. 4. Definition of Terms. - The following terms as used in this Act shall be
SEC. 2. Declaration of State Policy. - The following State policies shall be observed defined as follows:
at all times:
(a) "Bail" refers to the security given for the release of the person in custody
(a) The State recognizes the vital role of children and youth in nation building of the law, furnished by him/her or a bondsman, to guarantee his/her
and shall promote and protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual and appearance before any court. Bail may be given in the form of corporate
social well-being. It shall inculcate in the youth patriotism and nationalism, security, property bond, cash deposit, or recognizance.
and encourage their involvement in public and civic affairs.
(b) "Best Interest of the Child" refers to the totality of the circumstances and
(b) The State shall protect the best interests of the child through measures conditions which are most congenial to the survival, protection and feelings
that will ensure the observance of international standards of child protection, of security of the child and most encouraging to the child's physical,
especially those to which the Philippines is a party. Proceedings before any psychological and emotional development. It also means the least
authority shall be conducted in the best interest of the child and in a manner detrimental available alternative for safeguarding the growth and
which allows the child to participate and to express himself/herself freely. development of the child.
(e) "Child" refers to a person under the age of eighteen (18) years. (i) "Diversion" refers to an alternative, child-appropriate process of
determining the responsibility and treatment of a child in conflict with the law
(d) "Child at Risk" refers to a child who is vulnerable to and at the risk of on the basis of his/her social, cultural, economic, psychological or
committing criminal offenses because of personal, family and social educational background without resorting to formal court proceedings.
circumstances, such as, but not limited to, the following:
(j) "Diversion Program" refers to the program that the child in conflict with the
(1) being abused by any person through sexual, physical, law is required to undergo after he/she is found responsible for an offense
psychological, mental, economic or any other means and the without resorting to formal court proceedings.
parents or guardian refuse, are unwilling, or unable to provide
protection for the child; (k) "Initial Contact With-the Child" refers to the apprehension or taking into
custody of a child in conflict with the law by law enforcement officers or
(2) being exploited including sexually or economically; private citizens. It includes the time when the child alleged to be in conflict
with the law receives a subpoena under Section 3(b) of Rule 112 of the
Revised Rules of Criminal Procedure or summons under Section 6(a) or
(3) being abandoned or neglected, and after diligent search and Section 9(b) of the same Rule in cases that do not require preliminary
inquiry, the parent or guardian cannot be found; investigation or where there is no necessity to place the child alleged to be in
conflict with the law under immediate custody.
(4) coming from a dysfunctional or broken family or without a parent
or guardian; (I) "Intervention" refers to a series of activities which are designed to address
issues that caused the child to commit an offense. It may take the form of an
(5) being out of school; individualized treatment program which may include counseling, skills
training, education, and other activities that will enhance his/her
(6) being a streetchild; psychological, emotional and psycho-social well-being.

(7) being a member of a gang; (m) "Juvenile Justice and Welfare System" refers to a system dealing with
children at risk and children in conflict with the law, which provides child-
appropriate proceedings, including programs and services for prevention,
(8) living in a community with a high level of criminality or drug diversion, rehabilitation, re-integration and aftercare to ensure their normal
abuse; and growth and development.

(9) living in situations of armed conflict. (n) "Law Enforcement Officer" refers to the person in authority or his/her
agent as defined in Article 152 of the Revised Penal Code, including a
(e) "Child in Conflict with the Law" refers to a child who is alleged as, barangay tanod.
accused of, or adjudged as, having committed an offense under Philippine
laws. (0) "Offense" refers to any act or omission whether punishable under special
laws or the Revised Penal Code, as amended.
(f) "Community-based Programs" refers to the programs provided in a
community setting developed for purposes of intervention and diversion, as (p) "Recognizance" refers to an undertaking in lieu of a bond assumed by a
well as rehabilitation of the child in conflict with the law, for reintegration into parent or custodian who shall be responsible for the appearance in court of
his/her family and/or community. the child in conflict with the law, when required.

(g) "Court" refers to a family court or, in places where there are no family (q) "Restorative Justice" refers to a principle which requires a process of
courts, any regional trial court. resolving conflicts with the maximum involvement of the victim, the offender
and the community. It seeks to obtain reparation for the victim; reconciliation
(h) "Deprivation of Liberty" refers to any form of detention or imprisonment, of the offender, the offended and the community; and reassurance to the
or to the placement of a child in conflict with the law in a public or private offender that he/she can be reintegrated into society. It also enhances public
custodial setting, from which the child in conflict with the law is not permitted safety by activating the offender, the victim and the community in prevention
to leave at will by order of any judicial or administrative authority. strategies.
 (r) "Status Offenses" refers to offenses which discriminate only against a contact with his/her family through correspondence and visits, save in
child, while an adult does not suffer any penalty for committing similar acts. exceptional circumstances;
These shall include curfew violations; truancy, parental disobedience and
the like. (e) the right to prompt access to legal and other appropriate assistance, as
well as the right to challenge the legality of the deprivation of his/her liberty
(s) "Youth Detention Home" refers to a 24-hour child-caring institution before a court or other competent, independent and impartial authority, and
managed by accredited local government units (LGUs) and licensed and/or to a prompt decision on such action;
accredited nongovernment organizations (NGOs) providing short-term
residential care for children in conflict with the law who are awaiting court (f) the right to bail and recognizance, in appropriate cases;
disposition of their cases or transfer to other agencies or jurisdiction.
(g) the right to testify as a witness in hid/her own behalf under the rule on
(t) "Youth Rehabilitation Center" refers to a 24-hour residential care facility examination of a child witness;
managed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD),
LGUs, licensed and/or accredited NGOs monitored by the DSWD, which
provides care, treatment and rehabilitation services for children in conflict (h) the right to have his/her privacy respected fully at all stages of the
with the law. Rehabilitation services are provided under the guidance of a proceedings;
trained staff where residents are cared for under a structured therapeutic
environment with the end view of reintegrating them into their families and (i) the right to diversion if he/she is qualified and voluntarily avails of the
communities as socially functioning individuals. Physical mobility of residents same;
of said centers may be restricted pending court disposition of the charges
against them. (j) the right to be imposed a judgment in proportion to the gravity of the
offense where his/her best interest, the rights of the victim and the needs of
(u) "Victimless Crimes" refers to offenses where there is no private offended society are all taken into consideration by the court, under the principle of
party. restorative justice;

CHAPTER 2 (k) the right to have restrictions on his/her personal liberty limited to the
PRINCIPLES IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUVENILE JUSTICE AND WELFARE minimum, and where discretion is given by law to the judge to determine
whether to impose fine or imprisonment, the imposition of fine being
SEC. 5. Rights of the Child in Conflict with the Law. - Every child in conflict with preferred as the more appropriate penalty;
the law shall have the following rights, including but not limited to:
(I) in general, the right to automatic suspension of sentence;
(a) the right not to be subjected to torture or other cruel, inhuman or
degrading treatment or punishment; (m) the right to probation as an alternative to imprisonment, if qualified under
the Probation Law;
(b) the right not to be imposed a sentence of capital punishment or life
imprisonment, without the possibility of release; (n) the right to be free from liability for perjury, concealment or
misrepresentation; and
(c) the right not to be deprived, unlawfully or arbitrarily, of his/her liberty;
detention or imprisonment being a disposition of last resort, and which shall (o) other rights as provided for under existing laws, rules and regulations.
be for the shortest appropriate period of time;
The State further adopts the provisions of the United Nations Standard Minimum
(d) the right to be treated with humanity and respect, for the inherent dignity Rules for the Administration of Juvenile Justice or "Beijing Rules", United Nations
of the person, and in a manner which takes into account the needs of a Guidelines for the Prevention of Juvenile Delinquency or the "Riyadh Guidelines", and
person of his/her age. In particular, a child deprived of liberty shall be the United Nations Rules for the Protection of Juveniles Deprived of Liberty.
separated from adult offenders at all times. No child shall be detained
together with adult offenders. He/She shall be conveyed separately to or
from court. He/She shall await hearing of his/her own case in a separate
holding area. A child in conflict with the law shall have the right to maintain
SEC. 6. Minimum Age of Criminal Responsibility. - A child fifteen (15) years of age the effective implementation of this Act and coordination among the following
or under at the time of the commission of the offense shall be exempt from criminal agencies:
liability. However, the child shall be subjected to an intervention program pursuant to
Section 20 of this Act. (a) Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC);

A child above fifteen (15) years but below eighteen (18) years of age shall likewise be (b) Department of Education (DepEd);
exempt from criminal liability and be subjected to an intervention program, unless
he/she has acted with discernment, in which case, such child shall be subjected to
the appropriate proceedings in accordance with this Act. (c) Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG);

The exemption from criminal liability herein established does not include exemption (d) Public Attorney's Office (PAO);
from civil liability, which shall be enforced in accordance with existing laws.
(e) Bureau of Corrections (BUCOR);
SEC. 7. Determination ofAge. - The child in conflict with the law shall enjoy the
presumption of minority. He/She shall enjoy all the rights of a child in conflict with the (f) Parole and Probation Administration (PPA)
law until he/she is proven to be eighteen (18) years old or older. The age of a child
may be determined from the child's birth certificate, baptismal certificate or any other (g) National Bureau of Investigation (NBI);
pertinent documents. In the absence of these documents, age may be based on
information from the child himself/herself, testimonies of other persons, the physical
appearance of the child and other relevant evidence. In case of doubt as to the age of (h) Philippine National Police (PNP);.
the child, it shall be resolved in his/her favor.
(i) Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP);
Any person contesting the age of the child in conflict with the law prior to the filing of
the information in any appropriate court may file a case in a summary proceeding for (i) Commission on Human Rights (CHR);
the determination of age before the Family Court which shall decide the case within
twenty-four (24) hours from receipt of the appropriate pleadings of all interested
(k) Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA);
parties.

(l) National Youth Commission (NYC); and

If a case has been fiied against the child in conflict with the law and is pending in the
appropriate court, the person shall file a motion to determine the age of the child in
the same court where the case is pending. Pending hearing on the said motion, (m) Other institutions focused on juvenile justice and intervention programs.
proceedings on the main case shall be suspended.
The JJWC shall be composed of representatives, whose ranks shall not be lower than
In all proceedings, law enforcement officers, prosecutors, judges and other director, to be designated by the concerned heads of the following departments or
government officials concerned shall exert all efforts at determining the age of the agencies:
child in conflict with the law.
(a) Department of Justice (DOJ);

(b) Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD);

TITLE II (c) Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC)

STRUCTURES IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUVENILE JUSTICE AND
WELFARE (d) Department of Education (DepEd);

SEC. 8. Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council (JJWC). - A Juvenile Justice and (e) Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)
Welfare Council (JJWC) is hereby created and attached to the Department of Justice
and placed under its administrative supervision. The JJWC shall be chaired by an
undersecretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development. It shall ensure (f) Commission on Human Rights (CHR);
 (g) National Youth Commission (NYC); and (1) the performance and results achieved by juvenile intervention
programs and by activities of the local government units and other
(h) Two (2) representatives from NGOs, one to be designated by the government agencies;
Secretary of Justice and the other to be designated by the Secretary of
Social Welfare and Development. (2) the periodic trends, problems and causes of juvenile
delinquency and crimes; and
The JJWC shall convene within fifteen (15) days from the effectivity of this Act. The
Secretary of Justice and the Secretary of Social Welfare and Development shall (3) the particular needs of children in conflict with the law in
determine the organizational structure and staffing pattern of the JJWC. custody.

The JJWC shall coordinate with the Office of the Court Administrator and the The data gathered shall be used by the JJWC in the improvement of the
Philippine Judicial Academy to ensure the realization of its mandate and the proper administration of juvenile justice and welfare system.
discharge of its duties and functions, as herein provided.
The JJWC shall set up a mechanism to ensure that children are involved in
SEC. 9. Duties and Functions of the JJWC. - The JJWC shall have the following research and policy development.
duties and functions:
(h) Through duly designated persons and with the assistance of the
(a) To oversee the implementation of this Act; agencies provided in the preceding section, to conduct regular inspections in
detention and rehabilitation facilities and to undertake spot inspections on
(b) To advise the President on all matters and policies relating to juvenile their own initiative in order to check compliance with the standards provided
justice and welfare; herein and to make the necessary recommendations to appropriate
agencies;
(c) To assist the concerned agencies in the review and redrafting of existing
policies/regulations or in the formulation of new ones in line with the (i) To initiate and coordinate the conduct of trainings for the personnel of the
provisions of this Act; agencies involved in the administration of the juvenile justice and welfare
system and the juvenile intervention program;
(d) To periodically develop a comprehensive 3 to 5-year national juvenile
intervention program, with the participation of government agencies (j) To submit an annual report to the President on the implementation of this
concerned, NGOs and youth organizations; Act; and

(e) To coordinate the implementation of the juvenile intervention programs (k) To perform such other functions as may be necessary to implement the
and activities by national government agencies and other activities which provisions of this Act.
may have an important bearing on the success of the entire national juvenile
intervention program. All programs relating to juvenile justice and welfare SEC. 10. Policies and Procedures on Juvenile Justice and Welfare. - All
shall be adopted in consultation with the JJWC; government agencies enumerated in Section 8 shall, with the assistance of the JJWC
and within one (1) year from the effectivity of this Act, draft policies and procedures
(f) To formulate and recommend policies and strategies in consultation with consistent with the standards set in the law. These policies and procedures shall be
children for the prevention of juvenile delinquency and the administration of modified accordingly in consultation with the JJWC upon the completion of the
justice, as well as for the treatment and rehabilitation of the children in national juvenile intervention program as provided under Section 9 (d).
conflict with the law;
SEC. 11. Child Rights Center (CRC). - The existing Child Rights Center of the
(g) To collect relevant information and conduct continuing research and Commission on Human Rights shall ensure that the status, rights and interests of
support evaluations and studies on all matters relating to juvenile justice and children are upheld in accordance with the Constitution and international instruments
welfare, such as but not limited to: on human rights. The CHR shall strengthen the monitoring of government compliance
of all treaty obligations, including the timely and regular submission of reports before
the treaty bodies, as well as the implementation and dissemination of
recommendations and conclusions by government agencies as well as NGOs and
civil society.
 the LCPC: Provided, That the disbursement of the fund shall be made by the LGU
concerned.

TITLE III SEC. 16. Appointment of Local Social Welfare and Development Officer. - All
PREVENTION OF JUVENILE DELINQUENCY LGUs shall appoint a duly licensed social worker as its local social welfare and
development officer tasked to assist children in conflict with the law.
CHAPTER 1
THE ROLE OF THE DIFFERENT SECTORS SEC. 17. The Sangguniang Kabataan. - The Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) shall
coordinate with the LCPC in the formulation and implementation of juvenile
intervention and diversion programs in the community.
SEC. 12. The Family. - The family shall be responsible for the primary nurturing and
rearing of children which is critical in delinquency prevention. As far as practicable
and in accordance with the procedures of this Act, a child in conflict with the law shall CHAPTER 2
be maintained in his/her family. COMPREHENSIVE JUVENILE INTERVENTION PROGRAM

SEC. 13. The Educational System. - Educational institutions shall work together with SEC. 18. Development of a Comprehensive Juvenile Intervention Program. - A
families, community organizations and agencies in the prevention of juvenile Comprehensive juvenile intervention program covering at least a 3-year period shall
delinquency and in the rehabilitation and reintegration of child in conflict with the law. be instituted in LGUs from the barangay to the provincial level.
Schools shall provide adequate, necessary and individualized educational schemes
for children manifesting difficult behavior and children in conflict with the law. In cases The LGUs shall set aside an amount necessary to implement their respective juvenile
where children in conflict with the law are taken into custody or detained in intervention programs in their annual budget.
rehabilitation centers, they should be provided the opportunity to continue learning
under an alternative learning system with basic literacy program or non- formal The LGUs, in coordination with the LCPC, shall call on all sectors concerned,
education accreditation equivalency system. particularly the child-focused institutions, NGOs, people's organizations, educational
institutions and government agencies involved in delinquency prevention to
SEC. 14. The Role of the Mass Media. - The mass media shall play an active role in participate in the planning process and implementation of juvenile intervention
the promotion of child rights, and delinquency prevention by relaying consistent programs. Such programs shall be implemented consistent with the national program
messages through a balanced approach. Media practitioners shall, therefore, have formulated and designed by the JJWC. The implementation of the comprehensive
the duty to maintain the highest critical and professional standards in reporting and juvenile intervention program shall be reviewed and assessed annually by the LGUs
covering cases of children in conflict with the law. In all publicity concerning children, in coordination with the LCPC. Results of the assessment shall be submitted by the
the best interest of the child should be the primordial and paramount concern. Any provincial and city governments to the JJWC not later than March 30 of every year.
undue, inappropriate and sensationalized publicity of any case involving a child in
conflict with the law is hereby declared a violation of the child's rights. SEC. 19. Community-based Programs on Juvenile Justice and Welfare. -
Community-based programs on juvenile justice and welfare shall be instituted by the
SEC. 15. Establishment and Strengthening of Local Councils for the Protection LGUs through the LCPC, school, youth organizations and other concerned agencies.
of Children. - Local Councils for the Protection of Children (LCPC) shall be The LGUs shall provide community-based services which respond to the special
established in all levels of local government, and where they have already been needs, problems, interests and concerns of children and which offer appropriate
established, they shall be strengthened within one (1) year from the effectivity of this counseling and guidance to them and their families. These programs shall consist of
Act. Membership in the LCPC shall be chosen from among the responsible members three levels:
of the community, including a representative from the youth sector, as well as
representatives from government and private agencies concerned with the welfare of (a) Primary intervention includes general measures to promote social justice
children. and equal opportunity, which tackle perceived root causes of offending;

The local council shall serve as the primary agency to coordinate with and assist the (b) Secondary intervention includes measures to assist children at risk; and
LGU concerned for the adoption of a comprehensive plan on delinquency prevention,
and to oversee its proper implementation.
(c) Tertiary intervention includes measures to avoid unnecessary contact
with the formal justice system and other measures to prevent re-offending.
One percent (1%) of the internal revenue allotment of barangays, municipalities and
cities shall be allocated for the strengthening and implementation of the programs of
 (d) Refrain from using vulgar or profane words and from sexually harassing
or abusing, or making sexual advances on the child in conflict with the law;

TITLE IV (e) Avoid displaying or using any firearm, weapon, handcuffs or other
TREATMENT OF CHILDREN BELOW THE AGE OF CRIMINAL RESPONSIBILITY instruments of force or restraint, unless absolutely necessary and only after
all other methods of control have been exhausted and have failed;
SEC. 20. Children Below the Age of Criminal Responsibility. - If it has been
determined that the child taken into custody is fifteen (15) years old or below, the (f) Refrain from subjecting the child in conflict with the law to greater restraint
authority which will have an initial contact with the child has the duty to immediately than is necessary for his/her apprehension;
release the child to the custody of his/her parents or guardian, or in the absence
thereof, the child's nearest relative. Said authority shall give notice to the local social (g) Avoid violence or unnecessary force;
welfare and development officer who will determine the appropriate programs in
consultation with the child and to the person having custody over the child. If the (h) Determine the age of the child pursuant to Section 7 of this Act;
parents, guardians or nearest relatives cannot be located, or if they refuse to take
custody, the child may be released to any of the following: a duly registered
nongovernmental or religious organization; a barangay official or a member of the (i) Immediately but not later than eight (8) hours after apprehension, turn
Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC); a local social welfare and over custody of the child to the Social Welfare and Development Office or
development officer; or when and where appropriate, the DSWD. If the child referred other accredited NGOs, and notify the child's apprehension. The social
to herein has been found by the Local Social Welfare and Development Office to be welfare and development officer shall explain to the child and the child's
abandoned, neglected or abused by his parents, or in the event that the parents will parents/guardians the consequences of the child's act with a view towards
not comply with the prevention program, the proper petition for involuntary counseling and rehabilitation, diversion from the criminal justice system, and
commitment shall be filed by the DSWD or the Local Social Welfare and Development reparation, if appropriate;
Office pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 603, otherwise ,known as "The Child and
Youth Welfare Code". (j) Take the child immediately to the proper medical and health officer for a
thorough physical and mental examination. The examination results shall be
kept confidential unless otherwise ordered by the Family Court. Whenever
the medical treatment is required, steps shall be immediately undertaken to
provide the same;

TITLE V
(k) Ensure that should detention of the child in conflict with the law be
JUVENILE JUSTICE AND WELFARE SYSTEM
necessary, the child shall be secured in quarters separate from that of the
opposite sex and adult offenders;
CHAPTER I
INITIAL CONTACT WITH THE CHILD
(l) Record the following in the initial investigation:

SEC. 21. Procedure for Taking the Child into Custody. - From the moment a child
1. Whether handcuffs or other instruments of restraint were used,
is taken into custody, the law enforcement officer shall:
and if so, the reason for such;

(a) Explain to the child in simple language and in a dialect that he/she can
2. That the parents or guardian of a child, the DSWD, and the PA0
understand why he/she is being placed under custody and the offense that
have been informed of the apprehension and the details thereof;
he/she allegedly committed;
and

(b) Inform the child of the reason for such custody and advise the child of
3. The exhaustion of measures to determine the age of a child and
his/her constitutional rights in a language or dialect understood by him/her;
the precise details of the physical and medical examination or the
failure to submit a child to such examination; and
(e) Properly identify himself/herself and present proper identification to the
child;
 (m) Ensure that all statements signed by the child during investigation shall (b) In victimless crimes where the imposable penalty is not more than six (6)
be witnessed by the child's parents or guardian, social worker, or legal years imprisonment, the local social welfare and development officer shall
counsel in attendance who shall affix his/her signature to the said statement. meet with the child and his/her parents or guardians for the development of
the appropriate diversion and rehabilitation program, in coordination with the
A child in conflict with the law shall only be searched by a law enforcement officer of BCPC;
the same gender and shall not be locked up in a detention cell.
(c) Where the imposable penalty for the crime committed exceeds six (6)
SEC. 22. Duties During Initial Investigation. - The law enforcement officer shall, in years imprisonment, diversion measures may be resorted to only by the
his/her investigation, determine where the case involving the child in conflict with the court.
law should be referred.
SEC. 24. Stages Where Diversion May be Conducted. - Diversion may be
The taking of the statement of the child shall be conducted in the presence of the conducted at the Katarungang Pambarangay, the police investigation or the inquest
following: (1) child's counsel of choice or in the absence thereof, a lawyer from the or preliminary investigation stage and at all 1evels and phases of the proceedings
Public Attorney's Office; (2) the child's parents, guardian, or nearest relative, as the including judicial level.
case may be; and (3) the local social welfare and development officer. In the absence
of the child's parents, guardian, or nearest relative, and the local social welfare and SEC. 25. Conferencing, Mediation and Conciliation. - A child in conflict with law
development officer, the investigation shall be conducted in the presence of a may undergo conferencing, mediation or conciliation outside the criminal justice
representative of an NGO, religious group, or member of the BCPC. system or prior to his entry into said system. A contract of diversion may be entered
into during such conferencing, mediation or conciliation proceedings.
After the initial investigation, the local social worker conducting the same may do
either of the following: SEC. 26. Contract of Diversion. - If during the conferencing, mediation or
conciliation, the child voluntarily admits the commission of the act, a diversion
(a) Proceed in accordance with Section 20 if the child is fifteen (15) years or program shall be developed when appropriate and desirable as determined under
below or above fifteen (15) but below eighteen (18) years old, who acted Section 30. Such admission shall not be used against the child in any subsequent
without discernment; and judicial, quasi-judicial or administrative proceedings. The diversion program shall be
effective and binding if accepted by the parties concerned. The acceptance shall be in
writing and signed by the parties concerned and the appropriate authorities. The local
(b) If the child is above fifteen (15) years old but below eighteen (18) and social welfare and development officer shall supervise the implementation of the
who acted with discernment, proceed to diversion under the following diversion program. The diversion proceedings shall be completed within forty-five (45)
chapter. days. The period of prescription of the offense shall be suspended until the
completion of the diversion proceedings but not to exceed forty-five (45) days.
CHAPTER 2
DIVERSION The child shall present himself/herself to the competent authorities that imposed the
diversion program at least once a month for reporting and evaluation of the
SEC. 23. System of Diversion. - Children in conflict with the law shall undergo effectiveness of the program.
diversion programs without undergoing court proceedings subject to the conditions
herein provided: Failure to comply with the terms and conditions of the contract of diversion, as
certified by the local social welfare and development officer, shall give the offended
(a) Where the imposable penalty for the crime committee is not more than party the option to institute the appropriate legal action.
six (6) years imprisonment, the law enforcement officer or Punong Barangay
with the assistance of the local social welfare and development officer or The period of prescription of the offense shall be suspended during the effectivity of
other members of the LCPC shall conduct mediation, family conferencing the diversion program, but not exceeding a period of two (2) years.
and conciliation and, where appropriate, adopt indigenous modes of conflict
resolution in accordance with the best interest of the child with a view to
accomplishing the objectives of restorative justice and the formulation of a SEC. 27. Duty of the Punong Barangay When There is No Diversion. - If the
diversion program. The child and his/her family shall be present in these offense does not fall under Section 23(a) and (b), or if the child, his/her parents or
activities. guardian does not consent to a diversion, the Punong Barangay handling the case
shall, within three (3) days from determination of the absence of jurisdiction over the
case or termination of the diversion proceedings, as the case may be, forward the
records of the case of the child to the law enforcement officer, prosecutor or the
appropriate court, as the case may be. Upon the issuance of the corresponding (d) The availability of community-based programs for rehabilitation and
document, certifying to the fact that no agreement has been reached by the parties, reintegration of the child.
the case shall be filed according to the regular process.
SEC. 31. Kinds of Diversion Programs. - The diversion program shall include
SEC. 28. Duty of the Law Enforcement Officer When There is No Diversion. - If adequate socio-cultural and psychological responses and services for the child. At the
the offense does not fall under Section 23(a) and (b), or if the child, his/her parents or different stages where diversion may be resorted to, the following diversion programs
guardian does not consent to a diversion, the Women and Children Protection Desk may be agreed upon, such as, but not limited to:
of the PNP, or other law enforcement officer handling the case of the child under
custody, to the prosecutor or judge concerned for the conduct of inquest and/or (a) At the level of the Punong Barangay:
preliminary investigation to determine whether or not the child should remain under
custody and correspondingly charged in court. The document transmitting said
records shall display the word "CHILD" in bold letters. (1) Restitution of property;

SEC. 29. Factors in Determining Diversion Program. - In determining whether (2) Reparation of the damage caused;
diversion is appropriate and desirable, the following factors shall be taken into
consideration: (3) Indemnification for consequential damages;

(a) The nature and circumstances of the offense charged; (4) Written or oral apology;

(b) The frequency and the severity of the act; (5) Care, guidance and supervision orders;

(c) The circumstances of the child (e.g. age, maturity, intelligence, etc.); (6) Counseling for the child in conflict with the law and the child's
family;
(d) The influence of the family and environment on the growth of the child;
(7)Attendance in trainings, seminars and lectures on:
(e) The reparation of injury to the victim;
(i) anger management skills;
(f) The weight of the evidence against the child;
(ii) problem solving and/or conflict resolution skills;
(g) The safety of the community; and
(iii) values formation; and
(h) The best interest of the child.
(iv) other skills which will aid the child in dealing with
SEC. 30. Formulation of the Diversion Program. - In formulating a diversion situations which can lead to repetition of the offense;
program, the individual characteristics and the peculiar circumstances of the child in
conflict with the law shall be used to formulate an individualized treatment. (8) Participation in available community-based programs, including
community service; or
The following factors shall be considered in formulating a diversion program for the
child: (9) Participation in education, vocation and life skills programs.

(a) The child's feelings of remorse for the offense he/she committed; (b) At the level of the law enforcement officer and the prosecutor:

(b) The parents' or legal guardians' ability to guide and supervise the child; (1) Diversion programs specified under paragraphs (a)(1) to (a)(9)
herein; and
(c) The victim's view about the propriety of the measures to be imposed; and
 (2) Confiscation and forfeiture of the proceeds or instruments of the SEC. 35. Release on Recognizance. - Where a child is detained, the court shall
crime; order:

(c) At the level of the appropriate court: (a) the release of the minor on recognizance to his/her parents and other
suitable person;
(1) Diversion programs specified under paragraphs(a)and (b)
above; (b) the release of the child in conflict with the law on bail; or

(2) Written or oral reprimand or citation; (c) the transfer of the minor to a youth detention home/youth rehabilitation
center.
(3) Fine:
The court shall not order the detention of a child in a jail pending trial or hearing of
(4) Payment of the cost of the proceedings; or his/her case.

(5) Institutional care and custody. SEC. 36. Detention of the Child Pending Trial. - Children detained pending trial
may be released on bail or recognizance as provided for under Sections 34 and 35
under this Act. In all other cases and whenever possible, detention pending trial may
CHAPTER 3 be replaced by alternative measures, such as close supervision, intensive care or
PROSECUTION placement with a family or in an educational setting or home. Institutionalization or
detention of the child pending trial shall be used only as a measure of last resort and
SEC. 32. Duty of the Prosecutor's Office. - There shall be a specially trained for the shortest possible period of time.
prosecutor to conduct inquest, preliminary investigation and prosecution of cases
involving a child in conflict with the law. If there is an allegation of torture or ill- Whenever detention is necessary, a child will always be detained in youth detention
treatment of a child in conflict with the law during arrest or detention, it shall be the homes established by local governments, pursuant to Section 8 of the Family Courts
duty of the prosecutor to investigate the same. Act, in the city or municipality where the child resides.

SEC. 33. Preliminary Investigation and Filing of Information. - The prosecutor In the absence of a youth detention home, the child in conflict with the law may be
shall conduct a preliminary investigation in the following instances: (a) when the child committed to the care of the DSWD or a local rehabilitation center recognized by the
in conflict with the law does not qualify for diversion: (b) when the child, his/her government in the province, city or municipality within the jurisdiction of the court. The
parents or guardian does not agree to diversion as specified in Sections 27 and 28; center or agency concerned shall be responsible for the child's appearance in court
and (c) when considering the assessment and recommendation of the social worker, whenever required.
the prosecutor determines that diversion is not appropriate for the child in conflict with
the law.
SEC. 37. Diversion Measures. - Where the maximum penalty imposed by law for the
offense with which the child in conflict with the law is charged is imprisonment of not
Upon serving the subpoena and the affidavit of complaint, the prosecutor shall notify more than twelve (12) years, regardless of the fine or fine alone regardless of the
the Public Attorney's Office of such service, as well as the personal information, and amount, and before arraignment of the child in conflict with the law, the court shall
place of detention of the child in conflict with the law. determine whether or not diversion is appropriate.

Upon determination of probable cause by the prosecutor, the information against the SEC. 38. Automatic Suspension of Sentence. - Once the child who is under
child shall be filed before the Family Court within forty-five (45) days from the start of eighteen (18) years of age at the time of the commission of the offense is found guilty
the preliminary investigation. of the offense charged, the court shall determine and ascertain any civil liability which
may have resulted from the offense committed. However, instead of pronouncing the
CHAPTER 4 judgment of conviction, the court shall place the child in conflict with the law under
COURT PROCEEDINGS suspended sentence, without need of application: Provided, however, That
suspension of sentence shall still be applied even if the juvenile is already eighteen
SEC. 34. Bail. - For purposes of recommending the amount of bail, the privileged years (18) of age or more at the time of the pronouncement of his/her guilt.
mitigating circumstance of minority shall be considered.
Upon suspension of sentence and after considering the various chcumstances of the The component authorities shall undertake all measures to protect this confidentiality
child, the court shall impose the appropriate disposition measures as provided in the of proceedings, including non-disclosure of records to the media, maintaining a
Supreme Court Rule on Juveniles in Conflict with the Law. separate police blotter for cases involving children in conflict with the law and
adopting a system of coding to conceal material information which will lead to the
SEC. 39. Discharge of the Child in Conflict with the Law. - Upon the child's identity. Records of a child in conflict with the law shall not be used in
recommendation of the social worker who has custody of the child, the court shall subsequent proceedings for cases involving the same offender as an adult, except
dismiss the case against the child whose sentence has been suspended and against when beneficial for the offender and upon his/her written consent.
whom disposition measures have been issued, and shall order the final discharge of
the child if it finds that the objective of the disposition measures have been fulfilled. A person who has been in conflict with the law as a child shall not be held under any
provision of law, to be guilty of perjury or of concealment or misrepresentation by
The discharge of the child in conflict with the law shall not affect the civil liability reason of his/her failure to acknowledge the case or recite any fact related thereto in
resulting from the commission of the offense, which shall be enforced in accordance response to any inquiry made to him/her for any purpose.
with law.

SEC. 40. Return of the Child in Conflict with the Law to Court. - If the court finds
that the objective of the disposition measures imposed upon the child in conflict with
the law have not been fulfilled, or if the child in conflict with the law has willfully failed TITLE VI
to comply with the conditions of his/her disposition or rehabilitation program, the child REHABILITATION AND REINTEGRATION
in conflict with the law shall be brought before the court for execution of judgment.
SEC. 44. Objective of Rehabilitation and Reintegration. - The objective of
If said child in conflict with the law has reached eighteen (18) years of age while rehabilitation and reintegration of children in conflict with the law is to provide them
under suspended sentence, the court shall determine whether to discharge the child with interventions, approaches and strategies that will enable them to improve their
in accordance with this Act, to order execution of sentence, or to extend the social functioning with the end goal of reintegration to their families and as productive
suspended sentence for a certain specified period or until the child reaches the members of their communities.
maximum age of twenty-one (21) years.
SEC. 45. Court Order Required. - No child shall be received in any rehabilitation or
SEC. 41. Credit in Service of Sentence. - The child in conflict with the law shall be training facility without a valid order issued by the court after a hearing for the
credited in the services of his/her sentence with the full time spent in actual purpose. The details of this order shall be immediately entered in a register
commitment and detention under this Act. exclusively for children in conflict with the law. No child shall be admitted in any
facility where there is no such register.
SEC. 42. Probation as an Alternative to Imprisonment. - The court may, after it
shall have convicted and sentenced a child in conflict with the law, and upon SEC. 46, Separate Facilities from Adults. - In all rehabilitation or training facilities, it
application at any time, place the child on probation in lieu of service of his/her shall be mandatory that children shall be separated from adults unless they are
sentence taking into account the best interest of the child. For this purpose, Section 4 members of the same family. Under no other circumstance shall a child in conflict with
of Presidential Decree No. 968, otherwise known as the "Probation Law of 1976", is the law be placed in the same confinement as adults.
hereby amended accordingly.
The rehabilitation, training or confinement area of children in conflict with the law shall
CHAPTER 5 provide a home environment where children in conflict with the law can be provided
CONFIDENTIALITY OF RECORDS AND PROCEEDINGS with quality counseling and treatment.

SEC. 43. Confedentiality of Records and Proceedings. - All records and SEC. 47. Female Children. - Female children in conflict with the law placed in an
proceedings involving children in conflict with the law from initial contact until final institution shall be given special attention as to their personal needs and problems.
disposition of the case shall be considered privileged and confidential. The public They shall be handled by female doctors, correction officers and social workers, and
shall be excluded during the proceedings and the records shall not be disclosed shall be accommodated separately from male children in conflict with the law.
directly or indirectly to anyone by any of the parties or the participants in the
proceedings for any purpose whatsoever, except to determine if the child in conflict
with the law may have his/hes sentence suspended or if he/she may be granted SEC. 48. Gender-Sensitivity Training. - No personnel of rehabilitation and training
probation under the Probation Law, or to enforce the civil liability imposed in the facilities shall handle children in conflict with the law without having undergone
criminal action. gender sensitivity training.
SEC. 49. Establishment of Youth Detention Homes. - The LGUs shall set aside an (4) Leadership training;
amount to build youth detention homes as mandated by the Family Courts Act. Youth
detention homes may also be established by private and NGOs licensed and (5) Social services;
accredited by the DSWD, in consultation with the JJWC.
(6) Homelife services;
SEC. 50. Care and Maintenance of the Child in Conflict with the Law. - The
expenses for the care and maintenance of a child in conflict with the law under
institutional care shall be borne by his/her parents or those persons liable to support (7) Health services; .
him/her: Provided, That in case his/her parents or those persons liable to support
him/her cannot pay all or part of said expenses, the municipality where the offense (8) Spiritual enrichment; and
was committed shall pay one-third (1/3) of said expenses or part thereof; the province
to which the municipality belongs shall pay one-third (1/3) and the remaining one-third (9) Community and family welfare services.
(1/3) shall be borne by the national government. Chartered cities shall pay two-thirds
(2/3) of said expenses; and in case a chartered city cannot pay said expenses, part of
the internal revenue allotments applicable to the unpaid portion shall be withheld and In accordance therewith, the family of the child in conflict with the law shall endeavor
applied to the settlement of said obligations:Provided, further, That in the event that to actively participate in the community-based rehabilitation.
the child in conflict with the law is not a resident of the municipality/city where the
offense was committed, the court, upon its determination, may require the Based on the progress of the youth in the community, a final report will be forwarded
city/municipality where the child in conflict with the law resides to shoulder the cost. by the local social welfare and development officer to the court for final disposition of
the case.
All city and provincial governments must exert effort for the immediate establishment
of local detention homes for children in conflict with the law. If the community-based programs are provided as diversion measures under Chapter
II, Title V, the programs enumerated above shall be made available to the child in
SEC. 51. Confinement of Convicted Children in Agricultural Camps and other conflict with the law.
Training Facilities. - A child
SEC. 53. Youth Rehabilitation Center. - The youth rehabilitation center shall provide
in conflict with the law may, after conviction and upon order of the court, be made to 24-hour group care, treatment and rehabilitation services under the guidance of a
serve his/her sentence, in lieu of confinement in a regular penal institution, in an trained staff where residents are cared for under a structured therapeutic environment
agricultural camp and other training facilities that may be established, maintained, with the end view of reintegrating them in their families and communities as socially
supervised and controlled by the BUCOR, in coordination with the DSWD. functioning individuals. A quarterly report shall be submitted by the center to the
proper court on the progress of the children in conflict with the law. Based on the
progress of the youth in the center, a final report will be forwarded to the court for final
SEC. 52. Rehabilitation of Children in Conflict with the Law. - Children in conflict disposition of the case. The DSWD shall establish youth rehabilitation centers in each
with the law, whose sentences are suspended may, upon order of the court, undergo region of the country.
any or a combination of disposition measures best suited to the rehabilitation and
welfare of the child as provided in the Supreme Court Rule on Juveniles in Conflict
with the Law. SEC. 54. Objectives of Community Based Programs. - The objectives of
community-based programs are as follows:
If the community-based rehabilitation is availed of by a child in conflict with the law,
he/she shall be released to parents, guardians, relatives or any other responsible (a) Prevent disruption in the education or means of livelihood of the child in
person in the community. Under the supervision and guidance of the local social conflict with the law in case he/she is studying, working or attending
welfare and development officer, and in coordination with his/her parents/guardian, vocational learning institutions;
the child in conflict with the law shall participate in community-based programs, which
shall include, but not limited to: (b) Prevent separation of the child in conflict with the law from his/her
parents/guardians to maintain the support system fostered by their
(1) Competency and life skills development; relationship and to create greater awareness of their mutual and reciprocal
responsibilities;
(2) Socio-cultural and recreational activities;
(c) Facilitate the rehabilitation and mainstreaming of the child in conflict with
the law and encourage community support and involvement; and
(3) Community volunteer projects;
 (d) Minimize the stigma that attaches to the child in conflict with the law by delinquents, prostitutes or attaching to them in any manner any other derogatory
preventing jail detention. names. Likewise, no discriminatory remarks and practices shall be allowed
particularly with respect to the child's class or ethnic origin.
SEC. 55. Criteria of Community-Based Programs. - Every LGU shall establish
community-based programs that will focus on the rehabilitation and reintegration of SEC. 61. Other Prohibited Acts. - The following and any other similar acts shall be
the child. All programs shall meet the criteria to be established by the JJWC which considered prejudicial and detrimental to the psychological, emotional, social,
shall take into account the purpose of the program, the need for the consent of the spiritual, moral and physical health and well-being of the child in conflict with the law
child and his/her parents or legal guardians, and the participation of the child- and therefore, prohibited:
centered agencies whether public or private.
(a) Employment of threats of whatever kind and nature;
SEC. 56. After-Care Support Services for Children in Conflict with the Law. -
Children in conflict with the law whose cases have been dismissed by the proper (b) Employment of abusive, coercive and punitive measures such as
court because of good behavior as per recommendation of the DSWD social worker cursing, beating, stripping, and solitary confinement;
and/or any accredited NGO youth rehabilitation center shall be provided after-care
services by the local social welfare and development officer for a period of at least six
(6) months. The service includes counseling and other community-based services (c) Employment of degrading, inhuman end cruel forms of punishment such
designed to facilitate social reintegration, prevent re-offending and make the children as shaving the heads, pouring irritating, corrosive or harmful substances
productive members of the community. over the body of the child in conflict with the law, or forcing him/her to walk
around the community wearing signs which embarrass, humiliate, and
degrade his/her personality and dignity; and
TITLE VII
GENERAL PROVISIONS
(d) Compelling the child to perform involuntary servitude in any and all forms
under any and all instances.
CHAPTER 1
EXEMPTING PROVISIONS
CHAPTER 3
PENAL PROVISION
SEC. 57. Status Offenees. - Any conduct not considered an offense or not penalized
if committed by an adult shall not be considered an offense and shall not be punished
if committed by a child. SEC. 62. Violation of the Provisions of this Act or Rules or Regulations in
General. - Any person who violates any provision of this Act or any rule or regulation
promulgated in accordance thereof shall, upon conviction for each act or omission, be
SEC. 58. Offenses Not Applicable to Children. - Persons below eighteen (18) punished by a fine of not less than Twenty thousand pesos (P20,000.00) but not more
years of age shall be exempt from prosecution for the crime of vagrancy and than Fifty thousand pesos (P50,000.00) or suffer imprisonment of not less than eight
prostitution under Section 202 of the Revised Penal Code, of mendicancy under (8) years but not more than ten (10) years, or both such fine and imprisonment at the
Presidential Decree No. 1563, and sniffing of rugby under Presidential Decree No. discretion of the court, unless a higher penalty is provided for in the Revised Penal
1619, such prosecution being inconsistent with the United Nations Convention on the Code or special laws. If the offender is a public officer or employee, he/she shall, in
Rights of the Child: Provided, That said persons shall undergo appropriate counseling addition to such fine and/or imprisonment, be held administratively liable and shall
and treatment program. suffer the penalty of perpetual absolute disqualification.

SEC. 59. Exemption from the Application of Death Penalty. - The provisions of the CHAPTER 4
Revised Penal Code, as amended, Republic Act No. 9165, otherwise known as the APPROPRIATION PROVISION
Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and other special laws
notwithstanding, no death penalty shall be imposed upon children in conflict with the
law. SEC. 63. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to carry out the initial
implementation of this Act shall be charged to the Office of the President. Thereafter,
such sums as may be necessary for the continued implementation of this Act shall be
CHAPTER 2 included in the succeeding General Appropriations Act.
PROHIBITED ACTS
An initial amount of Fifty million pesos (P50,000,000.00) for the purpose of setting up
SEC. 60. Prohibition Against Labeling and Shaming. - In the conduct of the the JJWC shall be taken from the proceeds of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes
proceedings beginning from the initial contact with the child, the competent authorities
must refrain from branding or labeling children as young criminals, juvenile
Office.

TITLE VIII TITLE IX

TRANSITORY PROVISIONS FINAL PROVISIONS

SEC. 64. Children in Conflict with the Law Fifteen (15) Years Old and Below. - SEC. 69. Rule Making Power. - The JJWC shall issue the IRRs for the
Upon effectivity of this Act, cases of children fifteen (15) years old and below at the implementation of the provisions of this act within ninety (90) days from the effectivity
time of the commission of the crime shall immediately be dismissed and the child thereof.
shall be referred to the appropriate local social welfare and development officer. Such
officer, upon thorough assessment of the child, shall determine whether to release the SEC. 70. Separability Clause. - If, for any reason, any section or provision of this Act
child to the custody of his/her parents, or refer the child to prevention programs as is declared unconstitutional or invalid by the Supreme Court, the other sections or
provided under this Act. Those with suspended sentences and undergoing provisions hereof not dfected by such declaration shall remain in force and effect.
rehabilitation at the youth rehabilitation center shall likewise be released, unless it is
contrary to the best interest of the child.
SEC. 71. Repealing Clause. - All existing laws, orders, decrees, rules and
regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby
SEC. 65. Children Detained Pending Dial. - If the child is detained pending trial, the repealed or modified accordingly.
Family Court shall also determine whether or not continued detention is necessary
and, if not, determine appropriate alternatives for detention.
SEC. 72. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days from its
publication in at least two (2) national newspapers of general circulation.
If detention is necessary and he/she is detained with adults, the court shall
immediately order the transfer of the child to a youth detention home.

SEC. 66. Inventory of "Locked-up" and Detained Children in Conflict with the

Law. - The PNP, the BJMP and the BUCOR are hereby directed to submit to the
JJWC, within ninety (90) days from the effectivity of this Act, an inventory of all Approved,
children in conflict with the law under their custody.
FRANKLIN DRILON JOSE DE VENECIA JR.
SEC. 67. Children Who Reach the Age of Eighteen (18) Years Pending Diversion President of the Senate Speaker of the House of Representatives
and Court Proceedings. - If a child reaches the age of eighteen (18) years pending
diversion and court proceedings, the appropriate diversion authority in consultation
with the local social welfare and development officer or the Family Court in This Act which is a consolidation of Senate Bill No. 1402 and House Bill No. 5065
consultation with the Social Services and Counseling Division (SSCD) of the was finally passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives on March 22,
Supreme Court, as the case may be, shall determine the appropriate disposition. In 2006.
case the appropriate court executes the judgment of conviction, and unless the child
in conflict the law has already availed of probation under Presidential Decree No. 603 OSCAR G. YABES ROBERTO P. NAZARENO
or other similar laws, the child may apply for probation if qualified under the provisions Secretary of Senate Secretary General
of the Probation Law. House of Represenatives

SEC. 68. Children Who Have Been Convicted and are Serving Sentence. -
Persons who have been convicted and are serving sentence at the time of the Approved: April 28, 2006
effectivity of this Act, and who were below the age of eighteen (18) years at the time
the commission of the offense for which they were convicted and are serving GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO
sentence, shall likewise benefit from the retroactive application of this Act. They shall President of the Philippines
be entitled to appropriate dispositions provided under this Act and their sentences
shall be adjusted accordingly. They shall be immediately released if they are so
qualified under this Act or other applicable law.