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A viral video of a 9-year-old boy caught stealing money from a store has sparked nationwide debate. Many wondered how the law treats very young offenders. The issue was discussed in the Tanong ng Pilipino segment of 'CIA with BA.'

Resident legal expert Atty. Marian Cayetano clarified the matter, citing the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act.

“Meron kasi tayong Juvenile and Justice Act. Sinasabi ng batas na 'to na 'pag below 15 years old, walang criminal liability ang bata. Ngunit kahit wala siyang criminal liability, kung gumawa siya ng krimen, meron pa ring magagawa ang ating DSWD o ang ating mga kinauukulan. Pwedeng mag-community-based or intervention program ang magulang kasama 'yung bata para 'di na siya maulit,” she explained.

Boy Abunda asked, “Kapag below 15 [years old] ang bata, sino ang mananagot sa ginawa niya?”
Atty. Bernadette Maybituin explained the concept of vicarious liability.0

“Under our law, meron tayong tinatawag na vicarious liability, na kung saan sinasabi na 'yung mga magulang na may parental authority over the minor children ay may responsibility sa kanilang anak at kung sila ay gumawa ng ganitong bagay, pwede silang liable for damages but not the criminal aspect of the case,” she said.

Another concern was whether the store owner could post the child's identity online. Atty. Rafael Rivera clarified, “Bawal. Kasi sa batas na binanggit ni Atty. Marian, 'yung mga child in conflict with the law—'yon 'yung proper legal term niya—ay protected ang identity nila, protected ang records nila, pati 'yung proceedings nila. Strictly confidential [lahat 'yan].”

He added, “It recognizes the reality of us, human beings, na we make foolish mistakes as we are young and then eventually we grow out of it, we reform as human beings. Pinagbibigyan natin ng pagkakataon ang tao na magbago at hindi siya matali do'n sa past niya, especially at such age,” emphasizing rehabilitation over punishment.

The discussion highlighted how the law balances accountability with compassion, protecting children from lifelong stigma while guiding parents and families toward proper intervention.

“CIA with BA,” hosted by Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, Senator Pia Cayetano, and Tito Boy, airs every Sunday at 11:00 p.m. on GMA7, with replays on GTV every Saturday at 10:30 p.m.