Manila: Sen. Francis 'Chiz' Escudero on Monday emphasized the need for a comprehensive review of the country's juvenile justice system to address gaps in school safety, youth accountability, and the implementation of rehabilitation programs.

According to Philippines News Agency, Escudero, during his 'Chiz Wiz' podcast, highlighted that laws crafted by legislators should be amended when they no longer adequately address present-day realities. He stated, 'Walang perpektong mambabatas na alam ang lahat para makagawa ng batas na hindi na pwedeng baguhin habang buhay (No lawmaker is perfect or knows everything enough to craft a law that should never be changed).'

Escudero, who co-authored Republic Act 9344, known as the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006, and its 2013 amendatory law, RA 10630, suggested that revisiting these measures should not be seen as an admission of past mistakes. Instead, he views it as an opportunity to enhance the justice system based on evidence and evolving conditions. He remarked, 'Dapat bukas kaming lahat na mambabatas sa anumang pagbabago (All of us lawmakers should be open to any change),' emphasizing that reforms must balance public safety with the welfare and rehabilitation of Filipino children.

He further dismissed claims that minors involved in crimes face no consequences, pointing out that existing laws already provide mechanisms for accountability, intervention, and rehabilitation for children in conflict with the law. Escudero proposed a 'full-cycle review' to examine not only the provisions of the law but also whether national agencies and local governments are effectively implementing programs aimed at preventing juvenile offenses and rehabilitating minors.

Escudero concluded by asserting, 'Ang batas ay para sa tao. Kung hindi na tumutugon sa pangangailangan ng panahon, tungkulin naming ayusin at iakma ito (The law is for the people. If it no longer responds to the needs of the times, it is our duty to correct and adapt it).'