MANILA — The Supreme Court has taken a significant stride in safeguarding the rights of minors embroiled in legal proceedings by issuing comprehensive guidelines aimed at addressing discernment concerning children in conflict with the law.
Applauding the move, BHW party-list Representative Natasha Co, Chairperson of the House Committee on the Welfare of Children, lauded the wisdom exhibited by the SC justices in formulating these guidelines, emphasizing their importance in determining the cognitive capacity of minors accused or suspected of crimes.
“The guidelines address the challenging task of discerning whether minors understand the distinction between right and wrong and the consequences of their actions,” stated Co, highlighting the crucial role of clarity in balancing accountability with juvenile rights protection.
Contrary to the belief in blanket exemption for minors from criminal responsibility, the SC’s guidelines are stringent and exact, ensuring the protection of children’s rights throughout legal proceedings.
This development holds particular significance for frontline workers, including barangay officials, police officers, social workers, and educators. The prevalent misconception among both the public and law enforcement personnel regarding minors’ immunity to criminal liability underscores the importance of the SC’s guidelines in guiding stakeholders to effectively handle cases involving juvenile offenders.
Calling upon various government agencies, Co urged the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Department of Education, and the Commission on Higher Education to widely disseminate the SC guidelines. Co stressed the necessity of ensuring the guidelines reach barangays, schools, and the media to educate both youth and parents about their rights and responsibilities under the law.
Moreover, Co emphasized the need to translate and annotate the guidelines into Filipino, English, Arabic, and regional languages to ensure accessibility across all segments of society, fostering greater understanding and compliance.
In conclusion, the issuance of definitive guidelines by the Supreme Court marks a significant milestone in the protection of children in conflict with the law. Co urged all stakeholders to uphold these guidelines diligently, thereby ensuring the fair and just treatment of minors within the legal system.
(el Amigo/MNM)
