The airing of the Maguad family’s tragic story on Maalaala Mo Kaya (MMK) on May 8, 2025, has reignited heated online discussions about the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006 (Republic Act No. 9344), authored by Senator-elect Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan.
The episode, depicting the brutal 2021 murders of siblings Crizzle Gwynn and Crizville Louise Maguad by their adopted minor sister “Janice” in M’lang, North Cotabato, has brought renewed scrutiny to the law, which sets the minimum age of criminal responsibility at 15 and emphasizes rehabilitation over punishment for juveniles. Netizens are calling for amendments, arguing the law fails to deliver justice for heinous crimes, while others defend its intent but criticize its implementation.
The MMK episode, starring Dimples Romana and Joem Bascon as the grieving parents, highlighted the betrayal of the Maguad family, who welcomed Janice, only for her to orchestrate the killings out of jealousy. The case shocked the nation, with the minor suspect’s protection under RA 9344 fueling public outrage.
Netizens have taken to X to express frustration, with some directly targeting Pangilinan. One user, @321SANAall posted, “Thank you sen. Kiko Pangilinan sa walang kwentang batas mo Kasi walang takot gumawa ng karumaldumal na krimen”.
after watching mmk, i think the senate needs to check loopholes re juvenile justice act
— ljm (@LnlJhn) May 21, 2025
Another, @LnlJhn, wrote, “after watching mmk, i think the senate needs to check loopholes re juvenile justice act.” These sentiments reflect a broader push to revisit the law, with many arguing it shields young offenders from accountability for serious crimes like murder.
However, blaming Pangilinan alone oversimplifies the issue. As the principal sponsor of RA 9344, Pangilinan championed a system to rehabilitate rather than incarcerate minors, but the law was supported by a majority of lawmakers and signed by then-President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. Critics often ignore this collective backing, as well as Pangilinan’s defense that poor implementation—such as inadequate funding for rehabilitation centers—is the real issue. In a 2021 interview, he stated, “Salungat tayo don, ano ‘yun ipapakulong mo ‘yung grade 3? Hindi kamay na bakal ang solusyon,” emphasizing that targeting adult syndicates exploiting minors is key.
The Maguad case, where the minor suspect was placed under the Department of Social Welfare and Development instead of facing immediate imprisonment, underscores the law’s complexities. While netizens like Jheng Bryan on X laments, ”Nahighlight kung gaano ka unfair ang Juvenile Justice Law sa episode na ito. Mapapamura ka na lang talaga,”the broader legislative support and systemic issues suggest the problem lies beyond one senator.
Nahighlight kung gaano ka unfair ang Juvenile Justice Law sa episode na ito. Mapapamura ka na lang talaga. Kasali pa ang DSWD na pinilit ipaampon iyong bruhang demonyita na si Jasmine.
— Auntie Selina (@auntieselina_) May 22, 2025
Calls for amendments continue, but any reform must balance justice for victims with the law’s original intent to protect vulnerable youth.
