Republic of the Philippines
Congress of the Philippines
Metro Manila
Thirteenth Congress
Second Regular Session
Begun and held in Metro Manila, on Monday, the twenty-fifth day of July, two thousand and five.
Republic Act No. 9344
AN ACT ESTABLISHING A COMPREHENSIVE JUVENILE JUSTICE AND WELFARE SYSTEM,
CREATING THE JUVENILE JUSTICE AND WELFARE COUNCIL UNDER THE DEPARTMENT
OF JUSTICE, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:
TITLE I
GOVERNING PRINCIPLES
CHAPTER 1
TITLE, POLICY AND DEFINITION OF TERMS
Section 1. Short Title and Scope. - This Act shall be known as the "Juvenile Justice and Welfare
Act of 2006." It shall cover the different stages involving children at risk and children in conflict with
the law from prevention to rehabilitation and reintegration.
SEC. 2. Declaration of State Policy. - The following State policies shall be observed at all times:
(a) The State recognizes the vital role of children and youth in nation building and shall
promote and protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual and social well-being. It shall
inculcate in the youth patriotism and nationalism, and encourage their involvement in public
and civic affairs.
(b) The State shall protect the best interests of the child through measures that will ensure
the observance of international standards of child protection, especially those to which the
Philippines is a party. Proceedings before any authority shall be conducted in the best
interest of the child and in a manner which allows the child to participate and to express
himself/herself freely. The participation of children in the program and policy formulation and
implementation related to juvenile justice and welfare shall be ensured by the concerned
government agency.
(c) The State likewise recognizes the right of children to assistance, including proper care
and nutrition, and special protection from all forms of neglect, abuse, cruelty and exploitation,
and other conditions prejudicial to their development.