A critical review of Philippines’ Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006 (Republic Act No. 9344) and amendments thereto: Its implication to criminal law

Abstract

This study was conducted to explore and analyze the content of Republic Act No. 9344 otherwise known as Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006. The Qualitative Content Analysis method of research was used. The study is purely discussion type. No experiments, surveys or interviews were conducted. A discussion on the development of the R.A. 9344 was presented. The study determined some factors contributing to the antisocial behavior of children which leads them to commit errors in the society. This study also tackled the advantages and disadvantages of R.A. 9344. It deliberated on the provision of the law that has been the subject of arguments and controversies with a few Supreme Court Rulings pertinent to the applicability of its provisions. This study also made a comparison of the provisions of R.A. 9344 that were subsequently amended. The findings of the study revealed that the enactment of R.A. 9344 was the government’s response to the call of international Human Rights Instruments on the protection of children in conflict with the law. Some provisions were amended by virtue of R..A. 10630 to further comply with the international standards and to strengthen the implementation of the Philippines’ Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act.