Atty. Isabel Corazon Cabuga-Plaza of the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) discussed Republic Act 9262 or the Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) and Judicial Processess of Barangay Protection Order in the morning while Atty. Josefe Sorrera-Ty  thoroughly talked about Restorative Justice: Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006 or the Republic Act 9344 in the afternoon followed by a hefty question and answer forum right after every discussion.         

Under R.A. 9262, the state values the dignity of women and their children and guarantees full respect for human rights. If a woman is living in a battering relationship pattern or the Battered Wife Syndrome (BWS), she can file for a Barangay Protection Order which is effective only for 15 days to prevent further acts of violence against her and her child, to minimize the description of the victim’s daily life and to facilitate the opportunity of the victim to regain control over her day to day activities.

The Juvenile Justice and Welfare System deals with children at risk, children in conflict with the law and provide child-appropriate proceedings including programs and services for prevention, diversion, rehabilitation, re-integration and aftercare to ensure their normal growth and development.

“Restorative Justice (RJ) is a very tough principle. It is a value-based approach, promotes healing and it focuses not only on the offender, which is what the current system tends to do, but also on the victim. That is why all government agencies like MSWD, PNP, barangay officials, the community and even the LGUs must work hand in hand to achieve the goals of RJ”, said Atty. Ty. The seminar was also attended by DILG Provincial Director Clementino S. Pontillo, Mrs. Gloria L. Pabillore of PSWD, police officers and guests. (MSMonoy)