Leny Morano^1,, Jan Carlo Bagasbas¹, Mark Remiter¹, Mickel Joseph Ragas¹, Rauna Mae Bron¹, Ma. Anika Dawn De Lima¹, Jeza Padayao¹

The ongoing trend of crime problems in the Philippines has taken the government to create many ways and solutions to resolve this issue. One of these is the passage of House Bill 8858. It is a bill that aims to expand the scope of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare System and strengthen programs concerning the social integration of juvenile delinquents. Its possible enactment will change the MACR of the Philippines from fifteen to twelve years old. With this, the researchers conducted the current study that aims to evaluate the public perceptions and implications of lowering the MACR in Naga City. A mixed-method research design was used to assess the results of the study. Quantitative data were gathered from the survey conducted, while the qualitative method was used in the interview. The PNP-Naga provided statistics of CICL in Naga City in the year 2018. The selected respondents for this study include CICL, non-CICL, parents, DSWD officials, PNP officers, CYO, and professionals such as lawyers, guidance counselors, and psychologists. Two-tailed t-test with a p-value < 0.05 was also used to determine if there is a significant difference between the response of the CICL and non-CICL. Based on the results, in the year 2018, it turns out that there were 219 CICL in Naga City, which is considered relatively low. Most of these were aged 15-18, male, and in secondary school. Moreover, theft topped the criminal cases involving the children. The results also presented that there is no significant difference in the response of CICL and non-CICL. Both subjects disagree with lowering the MACR as it affects their mental and physical behavior. Most parents, officials, and professionals also disagree with lowering the MACR as they believe that the country is not yet prepared in terms of implementation, infrastructure, and management. Implications on the community showed that there could be an increase in the crime rate if not implemented properly. There is also a need to increase the budget allocation in the overall implementation. If CICL is detained, they will be just exposed to serious illegal activities, which can encourage them to be heightened rebellious and defiant. Furthermore, CICL that will be put on jurisdiction may be the reason for to drop in their morale and sense of behavior. Thus, the results affirm that lowering the MACR in the Philippines does not positively affect Naga City.

Minimum Age of Criminal Liability (MACR), House Bill 8858, Children in conflict with Law, Naga