CITY Councilors reminded authorities Wednesday to strictly implement the curfew for minors after receiving reports that many remain at Internet cafes after 10 p.m.
"We have laws on the curfew hours. It mandates that minors should not be in the streets after 10 in the evening. It's a matter of strict implementation by the authorities and of course the cooperation of the internet caf‚ establishments who should observe the law," said Councilor Mabel Sunga-Acosta during SP Media Hour press forum.
Section 18 of the city's Children's Welfare Code states, "for the protection of children below 15 years of age, they shall be prohibited from loitering around or sleeping in public places after 10 o'clock in the evening until 4 o'clock in the morning of the following day unless they are in company with their parents or guardians."
Said law also specifies that a penalty equivalent to a whole day seminar on duties and responsibilities of children and parents shall be imposed to the parents or guardians of the violators of this provision.
Councilor Peter Lavina, chairman of the committee on trade, commerce, and industry, said the council is not curtailing the rights of internet owners. But, he said, "they must practice their rights in accordance to the law."
Councilor Leonardo Avila III said the responsibility of the parents to teach their children also couldn’t be discounted.
That’s a first. Parents are responsible of their children. If the establishment is also not cooperating then you can report this to the police, Avila said.
Avila added that computer use to children is encouraged but with precautionary measures.
We are now in the computer age and it is even advisable that children know how to use the computer early on. But when they are minors it should not be to a point when they would not go home just to play or use the computer. If they are below school age, much more that they should be with supervision, Avila said. (JCZ)