QUEZON CITY, July 27 (PIA)--Quezon City Mayor Herbert M. Bautista welcomes the temporary restraining order (TRO) issued by the Supreme Court that halts the implementation of curfew ordinances for minors in Quezon City. The mayor said that it is best that the Court looks into the constitutionality of the City Ordinance, for the local government’s guidance.
The TRO resulted from the petition filed by the Samahan ng mga Progresibong Kabataan, assailing the constitutionality of Quezon City Ordinance No. SP-2301, along with Manila City Ordinance No. 8046 and Navotas City Ordinance No. 2002-13, all imposing curfews on minors.
Ordinance 2301, series of 2014, known as the “Quezon City Discipline Hours for Minors” was enacted in response to complaints about the rising number of minors roaming the streets, endangering motorists or getting involved in street crimes and illegal drugs.
The ordinance also penalizes the parents or guardians who allow a minor to remain in public places during the said hours and imposes penalties against them.
The measure, however, exempts minors who are in public places but are accompanied by their parents or guardians. Also exempted are minors who are on their way to or from their school activity or organization wherein their attendance are required or otherwise indispensable. Another exemption are young people who participate in activities sponsored or permitted by the city, barangay, school or other civic or religious group. Minors on board a vehicle with their parents or guardians are also exempted from the discipline hours, including those who are engaged in authorized employment activity or are enrolled in evening classes.
A minor found violating the curfew for the first time will be referred to the nearest barangay hall or police station. The parent or guardian will be fined P2,000 or be required to render community service for 48 hours.
For the second violation, the parent or guardian will be penalized with a fine of P3,000 or 72-hour community service. Third and subsequent violations carry a fine of P5,000 or a prison term of six months.
Minors who habitually violate the curfew will be turned over to the city social services development department for counseling. (QC PAISO/RJB/SDL/PIA-NCR)
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