It bothers me that some celebrities these days dare oppose what majority of the people implore of the 17th Congress, which is lowering the minimum age of criminal liability to 12 from 15 years old.
Among them, of course, are talking heads of the yellow propaganda who will reject anything and everything that the Duterte administration would advocate to bring about change to improve the quality of life in this country.
One would wonder if they are merely generating publicity or trying to gain media mileage, shifting from a washed-up career in entertainment to politics.
I have nothing against actors, entertainers and other celebrities running for public office, much less voicing out their opinions. Everyone is entitled to have one.
But one must consider that the lawmakers had conducted thorough study and research before they proposed to amend the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006, otherwise known as “The Stupid Kiko Pangilinan Law.”
But these TV and movie personalities who oppose such move must likewise study and consider the details of the proposed measures, both from the Senate and the House before running their mouths and voicing out their opinions without substantial basis.
Incidentally, one of the Senate bills seeking to lower the age of liability to 12 is that from a former musician, TV, and movie personality-turned-politician Senate President Tito Sotto.
Needless to say, Tito Sen has gone over ample data from the Philippine National Police to support his proposal, which is similar to that of Senator Dick Gordon.
One female TV host opines that nine years old is “too young to be sent to an institution for rehabilitation, and be taken away from his family.”
Another, a washed-up action star, added that instead of sending these nine-year-olds to prison, the government should fund programs to keep them off the streets.