Philippines debates lowering age of criminal liability after Tacloban school shooting

A shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City on 22 June left three students dead and several others injured. The suspects were two Grade 9 students, a 15‑year‑old identified as “Rod” and a 14‑year‑old known as “Nash”. The older teen faces criminal charges, while the younger is exempt from liability under Republic Act 9344 and placed under the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) intervention program.

The incident has sparked a national debate on lowering the minimum age of criminal responsibility. Prosecutor Fred Nojara, police officials and the Philippine National Police have called for the age to be reduced to 12 or even 10 years, arguing that today’s minors have greater access to information and demonstrate discernment. Senate Bill No. 372 seeks to lower the age to 10, and the PNP supports reducing it to 12.

Opposition comes from educators, students and public figures such as actress Tuesday Vargas, who stress that the issue is complex and rooted in bullying, inadequate school security, and the need for stronger preventive programs. Critics argue that lowering the age would not address underlying causes and that parental guidance and mental‑health support are essential.

The DSWD says rehabilitation for both suspects may take years, and a psychosocial evaluation will determine whether the 15‑year‑old acted with discernment, which could lead to criminal liability.