AMID growing concern over the rising number of minors involved in criminal activities, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano is advocating for a family-centered and culturally rooted approach to juvenile justice reform.

His statement came in response to Senator Robinhood Padilla’s privilege speech urging the Senate to revisit and amend the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act, citing increasing cases of crimes involving minors — from petty theft to serious offenses like drug trafficking and rape.

Cayetano, chair of the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights, acknowledged Padilla’s appeal but stressed that solutions must strengthen Filipino families and community guidance, not just impose punitive measures.

“We have to input Filipino culture – family, ‘bayanihan’ – in every law we make,” Cayetano said, emphasizing the need for reforms that reflect Filipino values.

Quoting criminology and crime prevention principles, Cayetano said the certainty of apprehension and punishment is essential regardless of age.

“Whatever happens, it should be clear — whether you are old or not — that you cannot do the crime if you cannot do the time,” he stressed.

However, he cautioned against focusing solely on age-based penalties and called for deeper discussions on how to empower parents and communities to guide children toward the right path.

“What do parents need now to be helped to teach their children the right things?” Cayetano asked, noting that reduced school hours and increased screen time contribute to juvenile delinquency, especially in urban areas.

“In highly urbanized cities, school is only half-day. Using a cell phone is more entertaining. So what do we expect?” he said.

To address the problem, Cayetano proposed piloting intervention programs in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development and select local governments with sufficient resources.

“We can actually partner with the DSWD or with some cities that have more funds to already try out these different kinds of intervention,” he suggested.

Cayetano concluded by assuring full support for tackling the issue through formal hearings.

“Let me just put on record my commitment to you that we’ll put this bill on the agenda. We’ll definitely prepare a hearing on the issue,” he said.