I am already 87 years old, a retiree. I am writing this letter to call attention to the deplorable plight of children in conflict with the law (CICL) in our existing Bahay Pag-Asa youth centers. I lament the fact that only Mandaluyong and Pasig can provide proper rehabilitation centers for CICL.
May I, therefore, suggest the following amendments to Republic Act No. 9344 or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006.
Firstly, every Bahay Pag-Asa should be run by competent personnel with utmost commitment and dedication to serve the downtrodden.
Secondly, every government unit concerned must provide enough funding for CICL projects.
Thirdly, voluntary monetary contributions for CICL should be donations to be exclusively used for their benefit and not transferrable to any government agency.
Lastly, every urbanized city should be obliged to put up a fully developed Bahay Pag-Asa of their own.
—HERMENEGILDO L. DAYRIT, Sabang, Baliuag, Bulacan