The Navotas ordinance prescribing disciplinary hours for minors is now in full swing after Mayor John Rey Tiangco signed its implementing rules and regulations.
City Ordinance No. 2017-16 imposes curfew hours from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. for children below 18 years old and penalizes parents or guardians in case of violations.
“We aim to instill the values of discipline and obedience among Navoteño children. At the same time, we want to keep them safe and protect their welfare,” the mayor said.
Tiangco also noted that the ordinance will encourage vigilance and accountability from parents and guardians.
“As parents, it is our duty to protect and discipline our children. Their safety and well-being should be one of our utmost priorities,” he said.
The IRR states that minors, whether singly or in groups, are prohibited from wandering or staying in and about all public places during the disciplinary hours without lawful purpose or justifiable reason.
It also stipulates that it is unlawful for a parent or guardian of a minor to knowingly permit or by insufficient control allow the minor to remain in any public place within the territorial jurisdiction of Navotas during the disciplinary hours.
However, the IRR excludes minors who are with their parents or guardians; attending official activities of their school, church or community; working; or involved in an accident or emergency.
Violators will either do community service or pay fines.
Moreover, the IRR highlighted the role of the Barangay Council for the Protection of Children, Barangay Public Safety Officer, neighborhood crime watch enforcers and other local law enforcement officers in the implementation of the disciplinary hours.