John Rey Tiangco
The Navotas City ordinance prescribing “disciplinary hours” for minors is now in full swing after Mayor John Rey Tiangco signed its implementing rules and regulations (IRR).
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.
Tiangco said the ordinance should encourage vigilance and accountability from parents and guardians.
The IRR states that minors, whether individually or in groups, are prohibited from wandering about or remaining in all public places during the disciplinary hours without lawful purpose or justifiable reason.
It also considers it unlawful for a parent or guardian of a minor to allow a minor remain in any public place under the city’s jurisdiction during the disciplinary hours.
The IRR, however, exempts 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.