Editorial: TIME WATCH

The old curfew ordinance will continue to be implemented under Duterte’s administration; no excuses shall be considered yet consequences are expected.

The curfew system has been implemented on the year 2006 during President Gloria Arroyo’s regime. But the new president for the next six years, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte had intensified curfew on minors in the country.

Last May 31, the curfew ordinance have started to intensify its ordinance in Mandaluyong City it was even called OPLAN CPR or Code of Parental Responsibility. A total number of 34 minors were caught in the streets violating the curfew ordinance; curfew hours is from 10’oclock to 4am and ages from 18 and below are considered as minors.

Since this ordinance excuses no minor, the consequence when happened to commit the first offense is entitled to pay 2000 peso bill and if happened to fail in paying the fee both of the parent and the minor will be asked to perform community service within 48 hours in the said city.

The new measure however exempts minors who are in public places but are accompanied by their parents or guardians. Also exempted are minors who are on their way to or from their school activity or organization wherein their attendance are required or otherwise indispensable.

The ordinance also covers activities sponsored or permitted by the city, barangay, school or other civic or religious group. Minors on board a vehicle with their parents or guardians are also exempted from the discipline hours, including those who are engaged in authorized employment activity or are enrolled in evening classes.

However, here in Legazpi City, Albay the curfew ordinance is strictly being observed. In fact from 1 minor that was caught last May 2016, 20 minors had been listed this June. According to PNP Legazpi WCPD Investigator PO2 Mary Rizza Abion, if last May they were able to strictly abide the ordinance, there could have been more than 1 minor that is listed.

In that case, it simply shows that old had finally become strictly implemented just because the administration focused its core in fighting violence.

And in consequence, when a minor violates the curfew ordinance of the city, he or she will be brought to the CSWD for counselling and parents are asked to get their children back from their homes.

However, since the administration has imposed and is serious in implementing this ordinance this is a good sign that time such as discipline hours is being prioritized. Discipline hours that would take great effect to the youth.

Moreover, this ordinance is one example of a good change especially it is at motion and not existing only on law abiding papers. It is important for the youth to realize that President Duterte has vowed to push for a nationwide curfew on minors because he wants to protect them from abuses, human trafficking, drug trafficking and curb child labor.

There’s no harm if we will abide this law imposed by the government. At the end of the day, the implementation of it is for the benefit and safety of the people. Do not wait for consequences as it is coming and hungry for you to change. Simply abide the government because indeed, change starts within ourselves.