00:00They say it's just trip-trip, we hear that a lot, but what if your trip has the permission of a literal trip of a life-seeker?
00:11In the last video, the harassment of an eight-year-old in a jeepney ride in Taytay, Rizal.
00:19The camera caught that the jeepney was surrounded by people and one of them even brought a big rock that looked like it was being hit by a passenger.
00:29According to the barangay, there were 14 and 15-year-olds in the video.
00:35There was no theft and the incident is still being investigated.
00:40What does the law say about this?
00:43Naku, ask me, ask Attorney Gabby.
00:46Attorney, what can these kids face even if they say that they were not robbed or hurt in their trip?
01:00Well, of course, the things they did were very unjust.
01:04It's irritating and harassing.
01:06Although, as a general rule, we know that those who are below the age of 15 are exempted from criminal liability.
01:16So, whether we like it or not, our law says that these kids are not mature enough to know what they are really doing.
01:26And if you put yourself in the shoes of these kids,
01:30life will be even more miserable if you are imprisoned and brought together with other hardened criminals.
01:38Of course, many people do not agree with this.
01:42Because it seems that these kids are just getting stronger to commit crimes.
01:49But we cannot say that what they are doing has no consequences.
01:54First of all, it's a good thing that no one was hurt, no one was robbed, and no damage happened.
02:00Because these kids have no criminal liability,
02:03but there is still a so-called civil liability in case there is a need to pay by way of damages.
02:10And this will be the responsibility of their parents.
02:14Second, under Republic Act 9344, the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act,
02:20which was also amended by Republic Act 10630,
02:23it states that even if the child below the age of 15 has no criminal liability,
02:29he should be able to join the intervention program if he is involved in this kind of incident.
02:36Our officials, police, and barangay officials in the LGU should not immediately dismiss the case
02:45because the child is under the age of 15.
02:49It is also necessary to know the circumstances of the child and to record what happened.
02:54Because under the law, it is also necessary to study if there should be counseling or other intervention of the child.
03:01It is also necessary to see if the parents are negligent,
03:04maybe they are abandoned or neglected children,
03:07that is why they are scattered on the streets and spread disease.
03:11And if these kids will repeat their incidents,
03:14maybe they should study if there should be a more intensive intervention program
03:19or maybe they should commit to what we call a house of hope if necessary.
03:25A house of hope is like a special child institution or agency
03:29for children who are in conflict with the law.
03:34Attorney 14 to 15 years old,
03:37may the parents of these children be responsible?
03:43Of course, the parents of minors should be responsible.
03:48They should be responsible for what their children did
03:51in case, as we said, there is a civil liability that they need to pay.
03:55And as we said, it is necessary to see if these parents are really there.
04:00Maybe they are abandoned or neglected children.
04:03Maybe the children should be committed to the care and protection of the DSWD
04:07or child caring facilities.
04:10The cooperation of the parents is also necessary
04:12in case, for example, the court says that these children should join the intervention program or counseling.
04:18In the end, we want to make sure that someone is watching,
04:22teaching and guiding these children
04:25so that their children will not be a threat to themselves or to the people around them.
04:33It's just a trip. Don't do it.
04:35It's just a bad trip.
04:37And there is no good outcome.
04:39Just study.
04:41We will make it clear about the laws and how to talk to the parents.
04:47You know, for the peace of mind, don't think twice.
04:52Ask me, ask Atty. Gabby.
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