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liability, unless the child is found to have acted with discernment, in which case, "the appropriate
proceedings" in accordance with the Act shall be observed. In the present case, Jacinto showed
discernment in committing the crime as proven by the facts that he choose an isolated and dark placeto
perpetrate the crime, to prevent detection andhe boxed the victim to weaken her defense. Theseare
indicative of then 17 year-old appellantsmental capacity to fully understand theconsequences of his
unlawful action.To give meaning to the legislative intent of the Act, the promotion of the welfare of a
child inconflict with the law should extend even to onewho has exceeded the age limit of twenty-one
(21)years, so long as he/she committed the crime whenhe/she was still a child. The offender shall
beentitled to the right to restoration, rehabilitationand reintegration in accordance with the Act inorder
that he/she is given the chance to live anormal life and become a productive member of the community.
The age of the child in conflict withthe law at the time of the promulgation of thejudgment of conviction
is not material. What matters is that the offender committed the offensewhen he/she was still of tender
age.RA No. 9344 warrants the suspension of sentence of a child in conflict with the lawnotwithstanding
that he/she has reached the age of majority at the time the judgment of conviction ispronounced.
According to the law, the appellant may be confined in an agricultural camp or anyother training facility
in accordance with Sec. 51 of Republic Act No. 9344.