Gonzalez Order Review of Cases of Children in Jail
April 25, 2005
Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez has ordered the inspection of the jails nationwide to review the cases of juvenile offenders detained therein.
“I want to know the nature and status of children’s cases and the length of their detention,” Gonzalez, in his memorandum to all prosecutors and public attorneys, said.
He cited reports reaching him that children as young as 13 years old have been detained for years, some of whom are facing minor cases such as theft of fish worth P200.00 pesos but are required to post P6,000 bail.
“This is tantamount to denial of bail,” Gonzalez lamented.
The review of children’s cases is relative to his program of creating a more comprehensive juvenile justice system.
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