The Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday announced it suspended the sentence of a child in conflict with the law (CICL) to promote his best interests and rehabilitation.
In its decision, the SC en banc affirmed the accused’s conviction but clarified that the crime was qualified rape and ordered the suspension of his sentence.
The High Court cited a provision of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act providing that when the CICL reaches 18 while under suspended sentence, the court may discharge them, order the execution of their sentence, or extend the suspended sentence for a period or until they reach the maximum age of 21 years old.
In this case, the accused, who was transferred to the Davao Prison and Penal Farm, is now 25 years old.
The High Tribunal extended the suspension of his sentence to fulfill the law’s legislative intent, which prioritizes the child offender’s restoration, rehabilitation, and reintegration into the community.
It explained that the CICL must be “given a chance to live a normal life and become a productive member of the community.”
The case was remanded to the RTC to order the accused’s confinement in an agricultural camp or other training facility under Section 51 of the law.
