Sunday, September 14, 2008 Councilor hits regulation of computer centers
WHILE there are laws that regulate the operations of computer centers in Baguio, these are hardly followed by some businessmen who even allow minors to enter their establishments during class hours or after their prescribed time of operation.
Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda said this does not only eat up a child's allowance but also encourage students to seek other means to justify their use of computers to play video games.
"This practice is detrimental to the development of the young because it interferes with their studies and other school activities, which are the priority during their formative years of life," she said in a proposed ordinance.
Tabanda's proposal aims to strengthen Ordinance 15-2000 and prescribes the time of operation of computer shops.
"The extended hours of operation of these amusement centers, particularly computer rental shops, are a total disregard to law and order. Ordinance Number 15-2000 was enacted purposely to protect and guard the welfare of the minors," she said.
Tabanda said amusement centers and even computer shops should operate from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. only everyday.
She proposed that violation of the ordinance shall be penalized with a fine of P1,000 for the first offense, P2,000 for the second offense, and P5,000 and the revocation of the business permit of the erring establishment for the third and succeeding offenses. (RO)
