Manila - A Philippine lawmaker filed a bill on Thursday seeking to make parents pay for the crimes their children commit in a bid to curb juvenile delinquency.

Congressman Rufus Rodriguez said his proposed Parental Act of 2008 seeks to compel parents to closely monitor the activities of their minor children, who cannot be charged criminally in court under current laws.

Under the proposed law, parental liability includes payment of an amount ranging from 50,000 pesos (1,133.78) to 100,000 pesos, depending on the crimes their minor children committed.

Crimes to be covered by the bill include malicious and wilful injury of another person, malicious and wilful damage to property of another person, stealing, as well as possession, handling or carrying of deadly weapons.

Rodriguez noted that crime syndicates have been using minors in their criminal activities, knowing that children could evade criminal prosecution.

Under current laws, minor offenders aged 15 and below have no criminal liability, while those aged 16 and 17, acting without discernment, are also exempt from criminal liability. (dpa)