FALSE: A viral Facebook post falsely claims that if a minor robs or threatens you with an icepick, the police will take no action, implying this is caused by the Juvenile Justice law.
FACT: The Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act (RA 9344) does not prevent police from acting. Children in conflict with the law (CICL) can be arrested, held accountable, and face legal consequences—just through a system focused on rehabilitation rather than adult punishment.
The post distorts the law and wrongly blames Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, who authored the measure to ensure humane justice for minors.
Under RA 9344, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) assesses CICL cases, while youth offenders undergo legal proceedings in family courts and rehabilitation in centers like Bahay Pag-asa.
Data from the Philippine National Police and Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council show minors commit less than 2% of total crimes, mostly non-violent. Since the law’s passage in 2006, CICL cases have significantly declined.
Authorities emphasize that RA 9344 balances accountability and child protection. Misleading posts only worsen stigma and distort the intent of youth justice reform.
