THE Provincial Board of Benguet gave favorable review to La Trinidad’s ordinance regulating the operation of computer shops and other similar establishments in the municipality.

Members of the La Trinidad Municipal Council were recently informed the ordinance is for the general welfare of community by protecting the public from the deleterious effects of addiction, over-exposure to the technology.

“Upon review, the board finds the ordinance to be within the legislative power of the local Sanggunian of La Trinidad to enact and the provisions are consistent with existing laws, rules and regulations,” the review said.

Under the ordinance, La Trinidad’s chief of police, the council’s committee on peace and committee on youth, municipal social welfare and development officer, ABC representative, representatives from the La Trinidad Organization of Computer Rental Shop Operators, representatives from Parents Teachers Association, Department of Education district supervisor, and representatives from the private educational institutions are tasked in the creation of a working committee for the implementation.

Several consultations and revisions were made for the improvement of the new law which seeks to solve the entry of minors addicted to computers which is determined as perennial problem in the Valley.

Exemptions were also placed in the ordinance. Children eight years and above may avail of any computer rental services anytime upon compliance with the special arrangement through the accompaniment of a parent, guardian or teacher.

Minors below 18 years old are allowed to avail of any computer related services from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. only on any day.

The new law adds minors 8 to 18 – years - old may avail of research from 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on any day while minors may avail of gaming computer services upon compliance with the special arrangement schedule.

Penalties will be imposed to all owners or managers of computer rental shops with a fine of P1,500 for first offense and P2,000 for second offense, while P2,500 and revocation of business permit or closure of business will be imposed for the third and final offense.