“A multi-disciplinary team composed of a social worker, a psychologist/mental health
professional, a medical doctor, an educational/guidance counselor and a Barangay Council for the
Protection of Children (BCPC) member shall operate the ‘Bahay Pag-asa’. The team will work on
the individualized intervention plan with the child and the child’s family.
“x
x
x.”
SEC. 3. Section 6 of Republic Act No. 9344 is hereby amended to read as follows:
“SEC. 6. Minimum Age of Criminal Responsibility. – A child fifteen (15) years of age or under at
the time of the commission of the offense shall be exempt from criminal liability. However, the
child shall be subjected to an intervention program pursuant to Section 20 of this Act.
“A child is deemed to be fifteen (15) years of age on the day of the fifteenth anniversary of his/her
birthdate.
“A child above fifteen (15) years but below eighteen (18) years of age shall likewise be exempt
from criminal liability and be subjected to an intervention program, unless he/she has acted with
discernment, in which case, such child shall be subjected to the appropriate proceedings in
accordance with this Act.
“The exemption from criminal liability herein established does not include exemption from civil
liability, which shall be enforced in accordance with existing laws.”
SEC. 4. Section 8 of Republic Act No. 9344 is hereby amended to read as follows:
“SEC. 8. Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council (JJWC). – A Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council
(JJWC) is hereby created and attached to the Department of Social Welfare and Development and
placed under its administrative supervision. The JJWC shall be chaired by an Undersecretary of
the Department of Social Welfare and Development. It shall ensure the effective implementation
of this Act and coordination among the following agencies:
“(a) Department of Justice (DOJ);
“(b) Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC);
“(c) Department of Education (DepED);
“(d) Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG);
“(e) Public Attorney’s Office (PAO);
“(f) Bureau of Corrections (BUCOR);
“(g) Parole and Probation Administration (PPA);