MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III has voiced support for reducing the age of criminal responsibility but stressed that such changes must be grounded in scientific research.

The statement comes following Senator Robin Padilla's initiative to amend Republic Act 9344, also known as the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act, by lowering the minimum age of criminal liability to 10 years old specifically for heinous offenses.

Addressing the issue during a briefing at Camp Crame, Gen. Torre remarked, "We do support lowering the age of discernment. But that should be based on scientific evidence."

He further explained that existing studies should be reviewed to determine if current age limits remain applicable, noting that children today may exhibit higher levels of awareness due to early exposure to information. However, the PNP chief did not specify the exact age the police force favors for lowering criminal responsibility.

Gen. Torre also indicated that the PNP will formally communicate its position on the matter through an agenda paper submitted to Congress, though the timeline for this submission remains unspecified. "We leave it to our legislators what their final decision will be regarding that matter," he added.

Enacted in 2006, the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act currently sets the minimum age of criminal responsibility at 15 years old.

In response to the proposed legislative change, the Child Rights Network (CRN) expressed opposition, arguing that challenges lie more in the implementation of the juvenile justice system rather than the prescribed minimum age.

The debate highlights ongoing concerns about balancing accountability and child rights in the justice system amid calls for reform.