Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. 779

Introduced by Rep. Winston “Winnie” Castelo

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Ien't it precisely worded in Sec. 19 (2).of Article II of the Constitution that “the
‘employment of physical, psychological, or degrading punishment against any prisoner or
detainee or the use of substandard or inadequate penal facilities under subhuman
conditions shall be dealt with by law”?

It is what this proposed measure sought to address in the case of juvenile
delinquents, children in conflict with the law, or youthful offenders that have been a
growing concer if not an emerging social problem even by the agencies or authorities
that are supposed to insure a decent disposition, custody, or treatment of an otherwise
youthful offender, minor or juvenile delinquent.

Children have their rights, too. They deserve care and treatment from time of
apprehension up to the termination of the case. Our penitentiaries, provincial, city or
municipal jails, juvenile detention centers or facilities need not house offenders in more
the ideal number necessary and ideal. As youthful offenders, in fact, they shall never be
mixed but instead absolutely segregated from hardened criminals. Otherwise, some
rights would have been infringed and precisely these inadequate health care, subhuman
conditions in jails and prisons literally condemn a young inmate to an early death or will
Inflct irreparable harm to thelr physical and mental health.

Under this proposal, there will be benefits ed for juvenile hisoners instead
since the protection of theirs rights and welfare a
State should provide.

‘This humble representation seeks the e
the immediate passage of this bill, hence this sub


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

270

HOUSE BILLNO.___

introduced by Rep. Winston “Winnie” Castelo

AN ACT
PROVIDING BENEFITS FOR JUVENILE PRISONERS THEREBY PROMOTING
CHILDREN’S RIGHTS AND HEALTH CARE AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS
THEREFOR

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Republic of the
Philippines in Congress assembled

SECTION 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the ‘Juvenile Prisoners
Benefits Act of 2012"

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. — It is a declared policy of the State to maintain
peace and order, protect life, liberty and the promotion of the general welfare of every
individual in society.

SEC. 3. Benefits of Juvenile Delinquents. ~ The benefits of juvenile delinquents,
children in conflict with the law, or youthful offenders while in jails or detention centers or
facilities shall be as those that will provide them with decent food, a comfortable
detention or prison cell, an ample space or area, a very short time of stay in jail, a
general condition of humane treatment, and such arrangement that shall never mixed
them with hardened criminals.

SEC. 4. Appropriation. - In order to effectively implement the provision of this
Act, the Department of Budget & Management shall cause the ‘sufficient allocation of
funds for the purpose of rehabilitation of juvenile delinquents, children in conflict with the
law, or youthful offenders; the promotion of children rights and health care; and
adequate legal protection toward their integration back into society.

SEC. 5. The Department of Social Welfare and Development in coordination
with the Philippine National Police and the duly cognizant courts shall issue appropriate
guidelines, rules and regulations to effectively implement the provisions of this Act.

SEC. 6. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and
regulations inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified
accordingly.

SEC. 7. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect upon publication in the Official
Gazette and at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,