Protecting Rights of Children in Conflict with Law

The order responds to a growing and serious concern that Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL) are being detained or incarcerated together with adult offenders while their cases are pending in court.
The order directs an institutional response to ensure CICL are separately detained from adult prisoners.
The order mandates coordinated action using ways, means, and measures permitted under existing laws, rules, and regulations.

Section 1 designates the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) as the lead agency.
The DSWD’s leadership is specifically for ensuring the rights and welfare of CICL are protected.

Section 2 mandates the DSWD, in close coordination with the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
The DSWD must adopt ways, means and measures allowed under existing laws, rules and regulations that protect the rights and welfare of CICL.
The DSWD, DOJ, and DILG must ensure the separate detention of CICL from adult prisoners.

Section 3 requires the DSWD, assisted by DOJ and DILG, to seek integrated assistance and support from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP).
Section 3 also requires integrated assistance and support from the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC).
Section 3 authorizes other agencies to be called upon for effective performance, and directs such agencies to extend full cooperation when their assistance is deemed necessary.

The order recognizes the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) under the DSWD as created pursuant to Republic Act No. 8980, otherwise known as the Early Childhood Care and Development Act.
The CWC is directed to participate in efforts to protect the rights and welfare of CICL under the statements of purpose in the “WHEREAS” clauses.

Section 4 requires the DSWD, by itself or through agencies named in Section 3, to submit an initial report and recommendation to the Office of the President.
The initial report and recommendation must be submitted not later than two (2) months after it has convened.
After the initial submission, the DSWD must submit a consolidated report on a quarterly basis.