a. Preamble; General Provisions

NOTE:

• Suspension of sentence can be availed of even if the child is already 18 years old or more but not above 21 years old, at the time of the pronouncement of guilt, without prejudice to the availment of other benefits such as probation, if qualified, or adjustment of penalty, in interest of justice.
• The benefits of the suspended sentence shall apply to one who is convicted of an offense punishable by reclusion perpetua or life imprisonment pursuant to the provisions of RA 9346 prohibiting the imposition of the death penalty and in lieu thereof, reclusion perpetua, and after application of the privileged mitigating circumstance of minority.
• If the child in conflict with the law reaches 18 years of age while under suspended sentence, the court shall determine whether to discharge the child in accordance with the provisions of Republic Act 9344, or to extend the suspended sentence for a maximum period of up to the time the child reaches twenty-one (21) years of age, or to order service of sentence (Sec. 48, Rule on Juveniles in Conflict with the Law; A.M. No. 02- 1-18-SC).