Netizens divided on TRO on curfew in 3 metro cities

By: 8 years ago

THE Supreme Court decision temporarily stopping the implementation of curfew ordinances in three cities in Metro Manila sent social media abuzz, with netizens arguing on the impact of the order to the welfare of minors.

READ: SC halts curfew ordinances in Manila, QC, Navotas

Some netizens expressed alarm that the temporary restraining order (TRO) will expose minors to danger and abuse by criminal gangs, while others argued it was just appropriate as the ordinances needed some tweaking.

“OK let’s just sit back and watch the result of the SC halting curfew in Manila, QC, and Navotas. I just hope there won’t be any incidence of crime while TRO is enforced,” wrote one Joseph Quintos-Ruiz on Facebook.

“This will become precedence to other cities to junk curfew in their respective area. Babalik na naman sa lansangan mga minor na kabataan kahit dis oras ng gabi, maglipana ulit mga batang palaboy nyan, problema na naman ng gobyerno,” said Xerxes Getaruelas Dangel.

“SC is trying to review thoroughly the constitutionality of this ordinance. Baka may pinapalantsa lang,” Luvimi Salamanca posted.

The high tribunal on Tuesday issued a TRO on the curfew ordinances in Manila, Quezon City, and Navotas, ordering the local governments to comment on the petition filed by the Samahan ng Progresibong Kabataan (SPARK).

In its petition, SPARK said the Manila ordinance was contrary to Republic Act No. 9344 or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act. Petitioners said curfew ordinances deprive minors of their right to liberty and right to travel, adding that parents were also deprived of their natural and primary right in rearing their children.

Netizens said curfew ordinances were meant to protect minors and not deprive them of freedoms, while others said these tend to be “unfair” and abusive as they called for review of the implementing guidelines.

“I am pro-curfew. Pero ’di ko talaga gusto ‘yung way ng pag-impelement nito. Medyo marahas para sa mga minor. Authorities should be there to protect the minor not traumatize them. Also, minsan ang bata lumalabas ng bahay kasi binubugbog, nire-rape… So kung may batang makukuha sa kalsada, dapat diretso sa DSWD para maibestigahan. Hindi ganyan na temporary ikukulong sa vehicle,” said Karen Yunlang.

“The government has to protect thre young and invest on it to become good citizens. Besides, what is the business of these kids in the wee hours of the night?” wrote Verano Natad.

“Bakit selected? It must be stopped all around the Philippines until such time there will be clear implementing rules and regulations. Or a need for total ban of these unfair laws/ordinances that impede minors to develop their self-esteem in the community,” said Noel Fabros.

Under the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act, curfew violations are considered status offenses, or ones that discriminate only against a child while an adult does not suffer any penalty for committing similar acts.

The Manila, Quezon City and Navotas local governments all welcomed the TRO on Tuesday. YG

Here’s what other netizens have to say:

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