(d) Pursuant to Article 40 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, the
State recognizes the right of every child alleged as, accused of, adjudged, or recognized as
having infringed the penal law to be treated in a manner consistent with the promotion of the
child's sense of dignity and worth, taking into account the child's age and desirability of
promoting his/her reintegration. Whenever appropriate and desirable, the State shall adopt
measures for dealing with such children without resorting to judicial proceedings, providing
that human rights and legal safeguards are fully respected. It shall ensure that children are
dealt with in a manner appropriate to their well-being by providing for, among others, a
variety of disposition measures such as care, guidance and supervision orders, counseling,
probation, foster care, education and vocational training programs and other alternatives to
institutional care.
(e) The administration of the juvenile justice and welfare system shall take into consideration
the cultural and religious perspectives of the Filipino people, particularly the indigenous
peoples and the Muslims, consistent with the protection of the rights of children belonging to
these communities.
(f) The State shall apply the principles of restorative justice in all its laws, policies and
programs applicable to children in conflict with the law.
SEC. 3. Liberal Construction of this Act. - In case of doubt, the interpretation of any of the
provisions of this Act, including its implementing rules and regulations (IRRs), shall be construed
liberally in favor of the child in conflict with the law.
SEC. 4. Definition of Terms. - The following terms as used in this Act shall be defined as follows:
(a) "Bail" refers to the security given for the release of the person in custody of the law,
furnished by him/her or a bondsman, to guarantee his/her appearance before any court. Bail
may be given in the form of corporate security, property bond, cash deposit, or recognizance.
(b) "Best Interest of the Child" refers to the totality of the circumstances and conditions which
are most congenial to the survival, protection and feelings of security of the child and most
encouraging to the child's physical, psychological and emotional development. It also means
the least detrimental available alternative for safeguarding the growth and development of
the child.
(e) "Child" refers to a person under the age of eighteen (18) years.
(d) "Child at Risk" refers to a child who is vulnerable to and at the risk of committing criminal
offenses because of personal, family and social circumstances, such as, but not limited to,
the following:
(1) being abused by any person through sexual, physical, psychological, mental,
economic or any other means and the parents or guardian refuse, are unwilling, or
unable to provide protection for the child;
(2) being exploited including sexually or economically;
(3) being abandoned or neglected, and after diligent search and inquiry, the parent or
guardian cannot be found;