Wednesday, February 14, 2007 Strict implementation of Internet laws sought By Grace L. Plata
A STRICTER implementation of Davao City's Internet café ordinance must be placed on the highest priority, especially now that the final exams are approaching, Councilor Maria Belen Sunga-Acosta said.
Acosta, who chairs the City Council committee on education, said she is concerned with the number of complaints that have reached her office from parents, teachers, and barangay officials about prevailing violations of the ordinance.
The complainants showed that Internet establishments have been allowing students access even during school hours, contributing to absenteeism among students.
Acosta said allowing these students entry to the Internet cafe is a direct violation of Section 3 of the ordinance, which states that students are only allowed to source out information relevant to their studies but not during school hours. If truly needed, students may seek a permit from their teacher that allows them to go out of the school to surf for information.
The permit must be shown to the Internet cafe attendant before they are allowed entry.
Acosta is urging law enforcers, barangay officials, and the business bureau to look into the matter and make efforts to continually monitor the said cases, as these things "hamper quality education" by being an additional factor to the distraction of students while they are studying.
