An Evaluation on the Philippine Juvenile Justice System's Compliance with the Law in Protecting the Rights of Children in Conflict with the Law: A Situational Analysis in Metro Manila

Abstract

The major findings of the study on the three sampled populations (Makati City, Quezon City, and the City of Manila) discovered notable similarities and differences among them. Children in the Philippines can be arrested and detained like adults from the age of nine years old. The most common offenses committed by children in the three sampled populations are those against property such as theft and robbery, often considered as survival mechanism for those children living in the streets caused by poverty and family breakdown. The family's role in the growth and well-being of children is very important. However, in the case of poor families where both parents are forced to work, the supervision of their children is often ignored. The study also found that negative peer pressure and poverty are the major factors that cause children to become delinquents. Likewise, Filipino children who come into conflict with the law are often street youths who have low educational attainment. The study took note that majority of CICL in the three sampled populations were first-time offenders. It recognized the effect on first time offenders who are most likely to think of themselves as criminals and the thought of condemnation by their communities. Thus, the stigma of being labeled as such and greater chance of re-offending. Also, if joined with other youth offenders, instead of rehabilitating the child it will only increase his/her insecurity and anxiety once reintegrated to society.