Iloilo city: City Councilor Frances Grace Parcon-Torres is advocating for the approval of the Comprehensive Juvenile Justice Intervention Program ordinance, which proposes the construction of a Balay Pag-asa facility for children in conflict with the law (CICL) in Iloilo City. The initiative aims to address the growing need for a center that can accommodate both boys and girls, as emphasized by family court judges in the area.
According to Philippines News Agency, the city government already operates a facility, Balay Dalayunan, which currently serves only male offenders. Councilor Torres has identified the former quarantine facility in Barangay So-oc, Arevalo District, as a potential site for the proposed Balay Pag-asa. Ongoing consultations with civil society organizations, the Department of Education, and justice system stakeholders aim to facilitate the passage of the ordinance by the end of November, aligning with the observance of Children's Month.
Councilor Torres highlighted the importance of implementing a holistic intervention program, as required by Republic Act No. 9344, or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006. This legislation mandates provinces and highly urbanized cities to establish a Bahay Pag-asa, a 24-hour facility that provides short-term residential care for children aged 15 to 17 who are awaiting court disposition.
In a related discussion, Sen. Panfilo Lacson reflected on the disciplinary measures of previous generations, noting that the guidance of parents and teachers, coupled with "tough love," played a significant role in instilling respect, responsibility, and accountability among young people. Lacson's comments on social media highlighted the effectiveness of these traditional disciplinary practices in guiding his own career in public service as a law enforcer and legislator.
