HOUSE Assistant Minority Leader Sarah Elago on Wednesday opposed proposals to lower the minimum age of criminal responsibility, warning that such a move would weaken child rights protections and further criminalize Filipino children.

The Gabriela Women’s Party lawmaker criticized the Marcos administration’s openness to reviewing the measure, saying children should not be subjected to punitive policies while the government fails to address the root causes of violence and other social problems affecting the youth.

“Children are not criminals. The Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act recognizes that children in conflict with the law require intervention, rehabilitation, and support—not punishment as if they were fully mature adults,” Elago said.

She also rejected arguments that children should bear greater criminal liability because of their increased access to technology and information.

According to Elago, such reasoning overlooks deeper issues, including poverty, inadequate social services, and a culture of violence that continues to persist in society.

The lawmaker stressed that the debate should go beyond questions of age and criminal responsibility and instead focus on the social conditions shaping children’s behavior.

“The question is not only about the age of discernment. The question is what kind of society teaches children that violence against others is acceptable,” Elago said, adding that children grow up in an environment where violence, bullying, and impunity are often normalized.

She urged the government to prioritize programs that support young people rather than expand punitive measures.

“If the administration is serious about preventing violence, it should strengthen support systems for the youth and not mechanisms of punishment,” she said.

Elago also called for increased funding for learners’ welfare, school-based mental health programs, public libraries, and child protection mechanisms.

Her statement came amid renewed debate over juvenile justice policies following recent incidents of school violence that have prompted some lawmakers and government officials to revisit existing laws governing minors in conflict with the law.