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The United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has warned against efforts to lower the minimum age of criminal liability from the current 15 years old to nine years old, saying it will have detrimental effects on minors. UNICEF said reducing the age of criminal liability, which was the second house bill filed in the 17th Congress under the new administration, “goes against the best interests of the child and threatens the well-being of the most vulnerable children.” READ: Alvarez files bill lowering age of criminal liability “An effective juvenile justice system puts the rights and welfare of the child at its heart. It seeks to understand how a child develops and tackles the underlying reasons why they commit crimes. It recognizes the detrimental effects of incarceration on children,” UNICEF said in a statement on Monday. Citing studies in neurobiology, UNICEF noted that the brain function of adolescents reach maturity only at around 16 years old, adding that children exposed to violence and those from dysfunctional families “experience toxic stress which damages the brain’s architecture.” “Putting children in jail has long-lasting damaging effects on their cognitive, psychosocial and neurological health; harming their overall development. It further stigmatizes them as criminals and creates an environment that triggers repeat offense, often extending to adulthood,” the statement read. “Children, especially the most marginalized and at risk, must be treated with a sense of dignity and self-worth. It is a treatment that takes into account the child’s age and promotes the child’s reintegration, including his Read More …

In this July 14, 2016 file photo, Marcopolo Tam, a member of a pro-China business group in Hong Kong, points to what is now known as the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea on a Japanese World War II era map purporting to support China’s claims to vast parts of the South China Sea, in Hong Kong. An international arbitration panel’s decision on the contested waters of the South China Sea so far is fueling regional tensions rather than tamping them down. In the ensuing 11 days, China has responded to the sweeping victory for the Philippines by flexing its military might. The Philippines faces pressure both at home and abroad not to cede an inch to China after the July 12 decision by a tribunal at The Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration. AP FILE PHOTO It’s a ruling that China cannot accept, and one that the Philippines must. An international arbitration panel’s decision on the contested waters of the South China Sea so far is fueling regional tensions rather than tamping them down. In the ensuing 11 days, China has responded to the sweeping victory for the Philippines by flexing its military might. The Philippines faces pressure both at home and abroad not to cede an inch to China after the July 12 decision by a tribunal at The Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration. The South China Sea is dotted with reefs and rocky outcroppings that several governments claim, including China and the Philippines. The arbitration panel didn’t Read More …

Philippine Daily Inquirer By: Niña P. Calleja, December 23rd, 2015 10:58 AM The Embassy of the United States in Manila and its affiliated offices will be closed to the public in observance of the Yuletide holidays. In an announcement, the US Embassy said its offices will be closed on Thursday, December 24, in observance of a special non-working holiday, and on Friday, December 25, in observance of Christmas Day. READ: LOOK: Malacañang declares 2016 holidaysThe embassy will also be closed on Wednesday, December 30, in observance of Rizal Day, a Philippine holiday, as well as on Thursday, December 31, the last day of the year, a special non-working day. It is also closed on Thursday, January 1, 2015, the first day of the new year. The US Embassy will resume their regular services on Monday, January 4, 2015. CDG Latest PSE asked to clarify PDS deal by Jan.26 US embassy in Manila closed for the holidays Vista Land buys initial 79% of Starmalls Greek Parliament legalizes same-sex civil partnerships Recommended Disclaimer: Comments do not represent the views of INQUIRER.net. We reserve the right to exclude comments which are inconsistent with our editorial standards. FULL DISCLAIMER For feedback, complaints, or inquiries, contact us.