REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10630 AN ACT STRENGTHENING THE JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM IN THE PHILIPPINES, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9344, 9344 , OTHERWISE NOWN AS THE !JUVENILE JUSTICE AND WELFARE ACT OF "006! AND APPROPRIATING APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled: S#$%&'( 1. The 1. The Title of Republic Act No. 9344 is hereby amended to read as follows: "An Act Establishin a !omprehensie #uenile #ustice and $elfare %ystem& !reatin the #uenile 'ustice and $elfare !ouncil under the (epartment of %ocial $elfare and (eelopment& Appropriatin Appropriatin )unds Therefor& and for *ther +urposes." S#$%&'( ". %ection ". %ection 4 of Republic Act No. 9344 is hereby amended to read as follows: "%E!. 4. Definition of Terms Terms.. , The followin terms as used in this Act shall be defined as follows: "- - "s/ 01ahay +a2asa , refers to a 42hour child2carin institution established& funded and manaed by local oernment units 567s/ and licensed and8or accredited nonoernment oraniations N6*s/ proidin short2term residential care for children in conflict with the law who are aboe fifteen ;/ but below eihteen years of ae who are awaitin court disposition of their cases or transfer to other aencies or 'urisdiction. "+art of the features of a 01ahay +a2asa is an intensie 'uenile interention and support center. This will cater to children in conflict with the law in accordance with %ections =& =2A and =21 hereof. "A multi2disciplinary team composed of a social wor>er& a psycholoist8mental health professional& a medical doctor& an educational8uidance counselor and a 1aranay !ouncil for the +rotection of !hildren 1!+!/ member shall operate the 01ahay +a2asa. The team will wor> on the indiidualied interention plan with the child and the childs family. "- - -."
)*+ !Y'%- D#%#(%&'( H'#! /##/* %' "42-'/ $-&2$/&(5 &(*%&%%&'( (5# 7 $$/#&%# '$ 5'8#/(#(% (&%* )LGU*+ ( &$#(*# ('/ $$/#&%# ('(5'8#/(#(% '/5(&:%&'(* )NGO*+ ;/'8&&(5 *-'/%2%#/ /#*&#(%& $/# '/ $-&/#( &( $'(&$% <&%- %-# < <-' /# <&%&(5 $'/% &*;'*&%&'( ' %-#&/ $*#* '/ %/(*#/ %' '%-#/ 5#($* '/ =/&*&$%&'(.
S#$%&'( 3. %ection 3. %ection ? of Republic Act No. 9344 is hereby amended to read as follows: "%E!. ?. Minimum ge of Criminal Responsibility . , A child fifteen fifteen ;/ years of ae or under at the time of the commission of the offense shall be e-empt from criminal liability. @oweer& the child shall be sub'ected to an interention proram pursuant to %ection = of this Act. "A child is deemed to be fifteen ;/ years of ae on the day of the fifteenth anniersary of his8her birthdate. "A child aboe fifteen ;/ years but below eihteen years of ae shall li>ewise be e-empt from criminal liability and be sub'ected to an interention proram& unless he8she has acted with discernment& in which case& such child shall be sub'ected to the appropriate proceedins in accordance with this Act.
"The e-emption from criminal liability herein established does not include e-emption from ciil liability& which shall be enforced in accordance with e-istin laws."
SEC. 6. Minimum Age of Criminal Responsibility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
S#$%&'( 4. %ection < of Republic Act No. 9344 is hereby amended to read as follows: "%E!. <. !uvenile !ustice and "elfare Council #!!"C$. , A #uenile #ustice and $elfare !ouncil ##$!/ is hereby created and attached to the (epartment of %ocial $elfare and (eelopment and placed under its administratie superision. The ##$! shall be chaired by an 7ndersecretary of the (epartment of %ocial $elfare and (eelopment. t shall ensure the effectie implementation of this Act and coordination amon the followin aencies: "a/ (epartment of #ustice (*#/B "b/ !ouncil for the $elfare of !hildren !$ !/B "c/ (epartment of Education (epE(/B "d/ (epartment of the nterior and 5ocal 6 oernment (56/B "e/ +ublic Attorneys *ffice +A*/B "f/ 1ureau of !orrections 17!*R/B "/ +arole and +robation Administration ++A/B "h/ National 1ureau of nestiation N1/B "i/ +hilippine National +olice +N+/B "'/ 1ureau of #ail Canaement and +enoloy 1#C+/B ">/ !ommission on @uman Rihts !@R/B "l/ Technical Education and %>ills (eelopment Authority TE%(A/B "m/ National Douth !ommission ND!/B and "n/ *ther institutions focused on 'uenile 'ustice and interention prorams. "The ##$! shall be composed of representaties& whose ran>s shall not be lower than director& to be desinated by the concerned heads of the followin departments or aencies
and shall receie emoluments as may be determined by the !ouncil in accordance with e-istin budet and accountin rules and reulations: "/ (epartment of #ustice (*#/B "/ (epartment of %ocial $elfare and (eelopment (%$(/B "3/ !ouncil for the $elfare of !hildren !$ !/B "4/ (epartment of Education (epE(/B ";/ (epartment of the nterior and 5ocal 6 oernment (56/B "?/ !ommission on @uman Rihts !@R/B "/ National Douth !ommission ND!/B " Two / representaties from N6*s& to be desinated by the %ecretary of %ocial $elfare and (eelopment& to be selected based on the criteria established by the !ouncilB "9/ (epartment of @ealth (*@/B and "=/ *ne / representatie each from the 5eaue of +roinces& 5eaue of !ities& 5eaue of Cunicipalities and 5eaue of 1aranays. "There shall be a Reional #uenile #ustice and $elfare !ommittee R##$!/ in each reion. The R##$!s will be under the administration and superision of the ##$!. The R##$! shall be chaired by the director of the reional office of the (%$(. t shall ensure the effectie implementation of this Act at the reional and 567 leels and the coordination amon its member aencies. "The R##$! will be composed of permanent representaties who shall hae a ran> not lower than an assistant reional director or its eFuialent to be desinated by the concerned department heads from the followin aencies and shall receie emoluments as may be determined by the !ouncil in accordance with e-istin budet and accountin rules and reulations: "i/ (epartment of #ustice (*#/B "ii/ (epartment of %ocial $elfare and (eelopment (%$(/B "iii/ (epartment of Education (epE(/B "i/ (epartment of the nterior and 5ocal 6oernment (56/B "/ !ommission on @uman Rihts !@R/B "i/ (epartment of @ealth (*@/B "ii/ Two / representaties from N6*s operatin within the reion selected by the R##$! based on the criteria established by the ##$!B "iii/ *ne / sectoral representatie from the children or youth sector within the reionB and "i-/ *ne / representatie from the 5eaue of +roinces8 !ities8 Cunicipalities8 1aranays of the +hilippines. "The ##$! shall conene within fifteen ;/ days from the effectiity of this Act. The %ecretary of %ocial $elfare and (eelopment shall determine the oraniational structure and staffin pattern of the ##$! national secretariat and the R##$! secretariat.
"n the implementation of this Act& the ##$! shall consult with the arious leaues of local oernment officials. "The ##$! shall coordinate with the *ffice of the !ourt Administrator and the +hilippine #udicial Academy to ensure the realiation of its mandate and the proper dischare of its duties and functions& as herein proided."
SEC. @. Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council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
S#$%&'(>. %ection 9 of Republic Act No. 9344 is hereby amended to read as follows: "%E!. 9. Duties and %unctions of the !!"C . , The ##$! shall hae the followin duties and functions: "a/ To oersee the implementation of this ActB "b/ To adise the +resident on all matters and policies relatin to 'uenile 'ustice and welfareB "c/ To assist the concerned aencies in the reiew and redraftin of e-istin policies8reulations or in the formulation of new ones in line with the proisions of this ActB "d/ To periodically deelop a comprehensie 3 to ;2year national 'uenile interention proram& with the participation of oernment aencies concerned& N6*s and youth oraniationsB "e/ To coordinate the implementation of the 'uenile interention prorams and actiities by national oernment aencies and other actiities which may hae an important bearin on the success of the entire national 'uenile interention proram. All prorams relatin to 'uenile 'ustice and welfare shall be adopted in consultation with the ##$!B "f/ To consult with the arious leaues of local oernment officials in the formulation and recommendation of policies and strateies for the preention of 'uenile delinFuency and the promotion of 'uenile 'ustice and welfareB "/ To formulate and recommend policies and strateies in consultation with children for the preention of 'uenile delinFuency and the administration of 'ustice& as well as for the treatment and rehabilitation of the children in conflict with the lawB "h/ To collect releant information and conduct continuin research and support ealuations and studies on all matters relatin to 'uenile 'ustice and welfare& such as& but not limited to: "/ The performance and results achieed by 'uenile interention prorams and by actiities of the local oernment units and other oernment aenciesB "/ The periodic trends& problems and causes of 'uenile delinFuency and crimesB and
"3/ The particular needs of children in conflict with the law in custody. "The data athered shall be used by the ##$! in the improement of the administration of 'uenile 'ustice and welfare system. "The ##$! shall submit an annual report to !onress on the implementation of the proisions of this Act. "The ##$! shall set up a mechanism to ensure that children are inoled in research and policy deelopment. "i/ Throuh duly desinated persons and with the assistance of the aencies proided in the precedin section& to conduct reular inspections in detention and rehabilitation facilities and to underta>e spot inspections on their own initiatie in order to chec> compliance with the standards proided herein and to ma>e the necessary recommendations to appropriate aenciesB "'/ To initiate and coordinate the conduct of trainins for the personnel of the aencies inoled in the administration of the 'uenile 'ustice and welfare system and the 'uenile interention proramB ">/ To submit an annual report to the +resident on the implementation of this ActB and "l/ To perform such other functions as may be necessary to implement the proisions of this Act." "%E!. 92A. Duties and %unctions of the R!!"C& , The R##$! shall hae the followin duties and functions: "a/ To oersee and ensure the effectie implementation of this Act at the reional leel and at the leel of the 567sB "b/ To assist the concerned aencies in the implementation and in compliance with the ##$!s adopted policies8reulations or proide substantial inputs to the ##$! in the formulation of new ones in line with the proisions of this ActB "c/ To assist in the deelopment of the comprehensie 3 to ;2year local 'uenile interention proram& with the participation of concerned 567s& N6*s and youth oraniations within the reion and monitor its implementationB "d/ To coordinate the implementation of the 'uenile interention prorams and actiities by national oernment aencies and other actiities within the reionB "e/ To oersee the prorams and operation of the intensie 'uenile interention and support center established within the reionB "f/ To collect releant reional information and conduct continuin research and support ealuations and studies on all matters relatin to 'uenile 'ustice and welfare within the reion& such as& but not limited to: "/ +erformance and results achieed by 'uenile interention prorams and by actiities of the 567s and other oernment aencies within the reionB "/ The periodic trends& problems and causes of 'uenile delinFuency and crimes from the 567 leel to the reional leelB and "3/ The particular needs of children in conflict with the law in custody within their reional 'urisdiction. "The data athered shall be forwarded by the R##$! to the ##$! on an annual basis and as may be deemed necessary by the ##$!.
"/ Throuh duly desinated persons and with the assistance of the aencies proided in the precedin section& to conduct reular inspections in detention and rehabilitation facilities within the reion and to underta>e spot inspections on their own initiatie in order to chec> compliance with the standards proided herein and to ma>e the necessary reports and recommendations to appropriate aencies and to the ##$!B "h/ To initiate and coordinate the conduct of trainins for the personnel of the aencies inoled in the administration of the 'uenile 'ustice and welfare system and the 'uenile interention proram within the reionB "i/ To submit an annual report to the ##$! on the implementation of this ActB and "'/ To perform such other functions as may be determined by the ##$! to implement the proisions of this Act."
SEC. 9. Duties and Functions of te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
S#$%&'( 6. %ection = of Republic Act No. 9344 is hereby amended to read as follows: "%E!. =. Children Belo' the ge of Criminal Responsibility . , f it has been determined that the child ta>en into custody is fifteen ;/ years old or below& the authority which will hae an initial contact with the child& in consultation with the local social welfare and deelopment officer& has the duty to immediately release the child to the custody of his8her parents or uardian& or in the absence thereof& the childs nearest relatie. The child shall be sub'ected to a community2based interention proram superised by the local social welfare and deelopment officer& unless the best interest of the child reFuires the referral of the child to a youth care facility or 01ahay +a2asa manaed by 567s or licensed and8or accredited N6*s monitored by the (%$(. "The local social welfare and deelopment officer shall determine the appropriate prorams for the child who has been released& in consultation with the child and the person hain custody oer the child. f the parents& uardians or nearest relaties cannot be located& or if they refuse to ta>e custody& the child may be released to any of the followin: "a/ A duly reistered nonoernmental or reliious oraniationB "b/ A baranay official or a member of the 1aranay !ouncil for the +rotection of !hildren 1!+!/B "c/ A local social welfare and deelopment officerB or& when and where appropriate& the (%$(. "f the child has been found by the local social welfare and deelopment officer to be dependent& abandoned& nelected or abused by his8her parents and the best interest of the child reFuires that he8she be placed in a youth care facility or 01ahay +a2asa& the childs parents or uardians shall e-ecute a written authoriation for the oluntary commitment of the child: Provided & That if the child has no parents or uardians or if they refuse or fail to e-ecute the written authoriation for oluntary commitment& the proper petition for inoluntary commitment shall be immediately filed by the (%$( or the 5ocal %ocial $elfare and (eelopment *ffice 5%$(*/ pursuant to +residential (ecree No. ?=3& as amended& otherwise >nown as 0The !hild and Douth $elfare !ode and the %upreme !ourt rule on commitment of children: Provided( further & That the minimum ae for children committed to a youth care facility or 01ahay +a2asa shall be twele / years old."
"%E!. =2A. Serious Crimes Committed by Children "ho re )*empt %rom Criminal Responsibility . , A child who is aboe twele / years of ae up to fifteen ;/ years of ae and who commits parricide& murder& infanticide& >idnappin and serious illeal detention where the ictim is >illed or raped& robbery& with homicide or rape& destructie arson& rape& or carnappin where the drier or occupant is >illed or raped or offenses under Republic Act No. 9?; !omprehensie (anerous (rus Act of ==/ punishable by more than twele / years of imprisonment& shall be deemed a nelected child under +residential (ecree No. ?=3& as amended& and shall be mandatorily placed in a special facility within the youth care faculty or 01ahay +a2asa called the ntensie #uenile nterention and %upport !enter #%!/. "n accordance with e-istin laws& rules& procedures and uidelines& the proper petition for inoluntary commitment and placement under the #%! shall be filed by the local social welfare and deelopment officer of the 567 where the offense was committed& or by the (%$( social wor>er in the local social welfare and deelopment officers absence& within twenty2four 4/ hours from the time of the receipt of a report on the alleed commission of said child. The court& where the petition for inoluntary commitment has been filed shall decide on the petition within seenty2two / hours from the time the said petition has been filed by the (%$(85%$(*. The court will determine the initial period of placement of the child within the #%! which shall not be less than one / year. The multi2disciplinary team of the #%! will submit to the court a case study and proress report& to include a psychiatric ealuation report and recommend the reinteration of the child to his8her family or the e-tension of the placement under the #%!. The multi2disciplinary team will also submit a report to the court on the serices e-tended to the parents and family of the child and the compliance of the parents in the interention proram. The court will decide whether the child has successfully completed the center2based interention proram and is already prepared to be reinterated with his8her family or if there is a need for the continuation of the center2 based rehabilitation of the child. The court will determine the ne-t period of assessment or hearin on the commitment of the child." "%E!. =21. Repetition of +ffenses& , A child who is aboe twele / years of ae up to fifteen ;/ years of ae and who commits an offense for the second time or oftener: Provided( That the child was preiously sub'ected to a community2based interention proram& shall be deemed a nelected child under +residential (ecree No. ?=3& as amended& and shall undero an intensie interention proram superised by the local social welfare and deelopment officer: Provided( further( That& if the best interest of the child reFuires that he8she be placed in a youth care facility or 01ahay +a2asa& the childs parents or uardians shall e-ecute a written authoriation for the oluntary commitment of the child: Provided( finally( That if the child has no parents or uardians or if they refuse or fail to e-ecute the written authoriation for oluntary commitment& the proper petition for inoluntary commitment shall be immediately filed by the (%$( or the 5%$(* pursuant to +residential (ecree No. ?=3& as amended." "%E!. =2!. )*ploitation of Children for Commission of Crimes& , Any person who& in the commission of a crime& ma>es use& ta>es adantae of& or profits from the use of children& includin any person who abuses his8her authority oer the child or who& with abuse of confidence& ta>es adantae of the ulnerabilities of the child and shall induce& threaten or instiate the commission of the crime& shall be imposed the penalty prescribed by law for the crime committed in its ma-imum period." "%E!. =2(. !oint Parental Responsibility& , 1ased on the recommendation of the multi2 disciplinary team of the #%!& the 5%$(* or the (%$(& the court may reFuire the parents of a child in conflict with the law to undero counselin or any other interention that& in the opinion of the court& would adance the welfare and best interest of the child. "As used in this Act& 0parents shall mean any of the followin: "a/ 1ioloical parents of the childB or "b/ Adoptie parents of the childB or "c/ ndiiduals who hae custody of the child.
"A court e-ercisin 'urisdiction oer a child in conflict with the law may reFuire the attendance of one or both parents of the child at the place where the proceedins are to be conducted. "The parents shall be liable for damaes unless they proe& to the satisfaction of the court& that they were e-ercisin reasonable superision oer the child at the time the child committed the offense and e-erted reasonable effort and utmost dilience to preent or discourae the child from committin another offense." "%E!. =2E. ssistance to ,ictims of +ffenses Committed by Children& , The ictim of the offense committed by a child and the ictims family shall be proided the appropriate assistance and psycholoical interention by the 5%$(*& the (%$( and other concerned aencies."
SEC. "0. Cildren !elo" te Age of Criminal Responsibility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
S#$%&'( . %ection of Republic Act No. 9344 is hereby amended to read as follows: "%E!. . Duties During -nitial -nvestigation& , The law enforcement officer shall& in his8her inestiation& determine where the case inolin the child in conflict with the law should be referred. "The ta>in of the statement of the child shall be conducted in the presence of the followin: / childs counsel of choice or in the absence thereof& a lawyer from the +ublic Attorneys *fficeB / the childs parents& uardian& or nearest relatie& as the case may beB and 3/ the local social welfare and deelopment officer. n the absence of the childs parents& uardian& or nearest relatie& and the local social welfare and deelopment officer& the inestiation shall be conducted in the presence of a representatie of an N6*& reliious roup& or member of the 1!+!. "The social wor>er shall conduct an initial assessment to determine the appropriate interentions and whether the child acted with discernment& usin the discernment assessment tools deeloped by the (%$(. The initial assessment shall be without pre'udice to the preparation of a more comprehensie case study report. The local social wor>er shall do either of the followin:
"a/ +roceed in accordance with %ection = if the child is fifteen ;/ years or below or aboe fifteen ;/ but below eihteen years old& who acted without discernmentB and "b/ f the child is aboe fifteen ;/ years old but below eihteen and who acted with discernment& proceed to diersion under the followin chapter.".
SEC. "". Duties During #nitial #nvestigation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
S#$%&'( @. %ection 33 of Republic Act No. 9344 is hereby amended to read as follows: "%E!. 33. Preliminary -nvestigation and %iling of -nformation& , The prosecutor shall conduct a preliminary inestiation in the followin instances: a/ when the child in conflict with the law does not Fualify for diersionB b/ when the child& his8her parents or uardian does not aree to diersion as specified in %ections and er& the prosecutor determines that diersion is not appropriate for the child in conflict with the law. "7pon serin the subpoena and the affidait of complaint& the prosecutor shall notify the +ublic Attorneys *ffice of such serice& as well as the personal information& and place of detention of the child in conflict with the law. "7pon determination of probable cause by the prosecutor& the information aainst the child shall be filed before the )amily !ourt within forty2fie 4;/ days from the start of the preliminary inestiation. The information must allee that the child acted with discernment."
SEC. 33. $reliminary #nvestigation and Filing of #nformat ion. 2 T-# ;/'*#$%'/ *- $'($% ;/#&&(/7 &(8#*%&5%&'( &( %-# ''<&(5 &(*%($#* )+ <-#( %-# $-& &( $'(&$% <&%- %-# < '#* ('% &7 '/ &8#/*&'( )+ <-#( %-# $-&, -&*-#/ ;/#(%* '/ 5/&( '#* ('% 5/## %' &8#/*&'( * *;#$& &( S#$%&'(* " ( "@ ( )$+ <-#( $'(*&#/&(5 %-# **#**#(% ( /#$'#(%&'( ' %-#
*'$& <'/#/, %-# ;/'*#$%'/ #%#/&(#* %-% &8#/*&'( &* ('% ;;/';/&%# '/ %-# $-& &( $'(&$% <&%- %-# <. U;'( *#/8&(5 %-# *;'#( ( %-# &8&% ' $';&(%, %-# ;/'*#$%'/ *- ('%&7 %-# P&$ A%%'/(#7* O&$# ' *$- *#/8&$#, * <# * %-# ;#/*'( &('/%&'(, ( ;$# ' #%#(%&'( ' %-# $-& &( $'(&$% <&%- %-# <. U;'( #%#/&(%&'( ' ;/'# $*# 7 %-# ;/'*#$%'/, %-# &('/%&'( 5&(*% %-# $-& *- # &# #'/# %-# F&7 C'/% <&%-&( '/%72&8# )4>+ 7* /' %-# *%/% ' %-# ;/#&&(/7 &(8#*%&5%&'(.
S#$%&'( 9. %ection 49 of Republic Act No. 9344 is hereby amended to read as follows: "%E!. 49. )stablishment of .Bahay Pag/sa0& , Each proince and hihly2urbanied city the 567s/ shall be responsible for buildin& fundin and operatin a 01ahay +a2asa within their 'urisdiction followin the standards that will be set by the (%$( and adopted by the ##$!. "Eery 01ahay +a2asa will hae a special facility called the #%!. This !enter will be allocated for children in conflict with the law in accordance with %ections =& =2A and =21 hereof. These children will be reFuired to undero a more intensie multi2disciplinary interention proram. The ##$! in partnership with& but not limited to& the (%$(& the (*@& the (epE( and the (56& will deelop and set the standards for the implementation of the multi2disciplinary interention proram of the #%!. 7pon institutionaliation of the #%! proram& the ##$! will continue to monitor and proide technical assistance to the multi2 disciplinary teams operatin the said centers."
SEC. 49. %stablisment of &out Detention 'omes. 2 T-# LGU* *- *#% *&# ( '(% %' & 7'%- #%#(%&'( -'#* * (%# 7 %-# F&7 C'/%* A$%. Y'%- #%#(%&'( -'#* 7 *' # #*%&*-# 7 ;/&8%# ( NGO* &$#(*# ( $$/#&%# 7 %-# DSWD, &( $'(*%%&'( <&%- %-# JJWC.
S#$%&'( 10. %ection ;= of Republic Act No. 9344 is hereby amended to read as follows: "%E!. ;=. Care and Maintenance of the Child in Conflict 'ith the 1a'& , - - "The 567s e-pected e-penditures on the local 'uenile interention proram for children at ris> and children in conflict with the law shall be included in the 567s annual budet. @ihly2 urbanied cities and proincial oernments should include a separate budet for the construction and maintenance of the 01ahay +a2asa includin the operation of the #%! within the 01ahay +a2asa."
SEC. >0. Care and Maintenance of te Cild in Conflict "it te a". 2 T-# #?;#(*#* '/ %-# $/# ( &(%#(($# ' $-& &( $'(&$% <&%- %-# < (#/ &(*%&%%&'( $/# *- # '/(# 7 -&*-#/ ;/#(%* '/ %-'*# ;#/*'(* &# %' *;;'/% -&-#/ $rovided , T-% &( $*# -&*-#/ ;/#(%* '/ %-'*# ;#/*'(* &# %' *;;'/% -&-#/ $(('% ;7 '/ ;/% ' *& #?;#(*#*, %-# (&$&;&%7 <-#/# %-# '#(*# <* $'&%%# *- ;7 '(#2%-&/ )13+ ' *& #?;#(*#* '/ ;/% %-#/#' %-# ;/'8&($# %' <-&$- %-# (&$&;&%7 #'(5* *- ;7 '(#2%-&/ )13+ ( %-# /#&(&(5 '(#2%-&/ )13+ *- # '/(# 7 %-# (%&'( 5'8#/(#(%. C-/%#/# $&%* *- ;7 %<'2%-&/* )"3+ ' *& #?;#(*#* ( &( $*#
$-/%#/# $&%7 $(('% ;7 *& #?;#(*#*, ;/% ' %-# &(%#/( /#8#(# '%#(%* ;;&$# %' %-# (;& ;'/%&'( *- # <&%--# ( ;; %' %-# *#%%##(% ' *& '&5%&'(*$rovided , furter , T-% &( %-# #8#(% %-% %-# $-& &( $'(&$% <&%%-# < &* ('% /#*&#(% ' %-# (&$&;&%7$&%7 <-#/# %-# '#(*# <* $'&%%#, %-# $'/%, ;'( &%* #%#/&(%&'(, 7 /#&/# %-# $&%7(&$&;&%7 <-#/# %-# $-& &( $'(&$% <&%- %-# < /#*&#* %' *-'#/ %-# $'*%. A $&%7 ( ;/'8&($& 5'8#/(#(%* *% #?#/% #'/% '/ %-# &#&%# #*%&*-#(% ' '$ #%#(%&'( -'#* '/ $-&/#( &( $'(&$% <&%- %-# <.
S#$%&'( 11. %ection ; of Republic Act No. 9344 is hereby amended to read as follows: "%E!. ;. Status +ffenses& , Any conduct not considered an offense or not penalied if committed by an adult shall not be considered an offense and shall not be punished if committed by a child." "%E!. ;2A. ,iolations of 1ocal +rdinances& , *rdinances enacted by local oernments concernin 'uenile status offenses such as& but not limited to& curfew iolations& truancy& parental disobedience& anti2smo>in and anti2drin>in laws& as well as liht offenses and misdemeanors aainst public order or safety such as& but not limited to& disorderly conduct& public scandal& harassment& drun>enness& public into-ication& criminal nuisance& andalism& amblin& mendicancy& litterin& public urination& and trespassin& shall be for the protection of children. No penalty shall be imposed on children for said iolations& and they shall instead be brouht to their residence or to any baranay official at the baranay hall to be released to the custody of their parents. Appropriate interention prorams shall be proided for in such ordinances. The child shall also be recorded as a 0child at ris> and not as a 0child in conflict with the law. The ordinance shall also proide for interention prorams& such as counselin& attendance in roup actiities for children& and for the parents& attendance in parentin education seminars."
SEC. *. +tatus ,ffenees. 2 A(7 $'($% ('% $'(*&#/# ( '#(*# '/ ('% ;#(&:# & $'&%%# 7 ( % *- ('% # $'(*&#/# ( '#(*# ( *- ('% # ;(&*-# & $'&%%# 7 $-&.
S#$%&'( 1". Mandatory Registry of Children in Conflict 'ith the 1a'& , All duty2bearers& includin baranay81!+! wor>ers& law enforcers& teachers& uidance counselors& social wor>ers and prosecutors who will receie report& handle or refer cases of children in conflict with the law& shall ensure a faithful recordation of all pertinent information& such as ae& residence& ender& crime committed or accused of and the details of the interention or diersion& as the case may be& under which they will undero or has underone& of all children in conflict with the law to uarantee the correct application of the proisions of this Act and other laws. The ##$! shall lead in the establishment of a centralied information manaement system on children in conflict with the law. This proision is howeer without pre'udice to %ection 43 of this Act.
S#$%&'( 13. %ection ?3 of Republic Act No. 9344 is hereby amended to read as follows: "%E!. ?3. ppropriations& , The amount necessary to carry out the proisions of this Act shall be chared aainst the current years appropriations of the ##$! under the budet of the (epartment of #ustice. Thereafter& such sums as may be necessary for the continued implementation of this Act shall be included in the budet of the (%$( under the annual 6eneral Appropriations Act: Provided( That the amount of )our hundred million pesos +4==&===&===.==/ shall be appropriated for the construction of 01ahay +a2asa rehabilitation centers in proinces or cities with hih incidence of children in conflict with the
law to be determined and identified by the (%$( and the ##$! on a priority basis: Provided( further( That the said amount shall be coursed throuh the (epartment of +ublic $or>s and @ihways (+$@/ for its proper implementation. "The 567s concerned shall ma>e aailable& from its own resources or assets& their counterpart share eFuialent to the national oernment contribution of )ie million pesos +;&===&===.==/ per rehabilitation center. "n addition& the !ouncil may accept donations& rants and contributions from arious sources& in cash or in >ind& for purposes releant to its functions& sub'ect to the usual oernment accountin and auditin rules and reulations."
SEC. 63. Appropriations. 2 T-# '(% (#$#**/7 %' $//7 '% %-# &(&%& &;##(%%&'( ' %-&* A$% *- # $-/5# %' %-# O&$# ' %-# P/#*&#(%. T-#/#%#/, *$- ** * 7 # (#$#**/7 '/ %-# $'(%&(# &;##(%%&'( ' %-&* A$% *- # &($# &( %-# *$$##&(5 G#(#/ A;;/';/&%&'(* A$%. A( &(&%& '(% ' F&%7 &&'( ;#*'* )P>0,000,000.00+ '/ %-# ;/;'*# ' *#%%&(5 ; %-# JJWC *- # %#( /' %-# ;/'$##* ' %-# P-&&;;&(# C-/&%7 S<##;*%#* O&$#.
S#$%&'( 14. -mplementing Rules and Regulations& , The ##$! shall promulate the necessary rules and reulations within si-ty ?=/ days from the effectiity of this Act. S#$%&'( 1>. Separability Clause& , f any proision of this Act is held unconstitutional& other proisions not affected thereby shall remain alid and bindin. S#$%&'( 16. Repealing Clause& , All laws& decrees& ordinances and rules inconsistent with the proisions of this Act are hereby modified or repealed accordinly. S#$%&'( 1. )ffectivity Clause& , This Act shall ta>e effect fifteen ;/ days after the completion of its publication in the +fficial 2a3ette or in at least two / national newspapers of eneral circulation. Approed&
%d./ JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA Actin %enate +resident
%d./ FELICIANO BELMONTE JR. %pea>er of the @ouse of Representaties
This Act which is a consolidation of %enate 1ill No. 334 and @ouse 1ill No. ?=; was finally passed by the %enate and the @ouse of Representaties on #une ;& =3.
%d./ EMMA LIRIO2REYES %ecretary of the %enate
Approed: *!T =3 =3 )S5.+ BENIGNO S. AUINO III President of the Philippines
%d./ MARILYN B. BARUA2YAP %ecretary 6eneral @ouse of Representaties