The Nationwide Curfew Act that seeks to implement a curfew among minors from 10 pm to 5 was refiled in the 19th Congress by Bagong Henerasyon Party-list Rep. Bernadette Herrera-Dy.
Under House Bill 1016 or the Act Establishing Nationwide Curfew for better child safety and protection welfare of persons under eighteen years old, it will prohibit all minors to roam around, wander, or stay in public places during the enforced curfew hours without justifiable reasons.
It stated that it is considered “unlawful” for parents or guardians who will “knowingly permit” or “by insufficiently control allow” the minor to remain in public places within the restricted hours.
However, there are exemptions for those minors who will be accompanied by any parent or guardian; those who will attend events such as parties, graduation ceremonies, religious activities, and other extracurricular activities in school; and in case of emergencies.
Any minor, parent, or guardian who will violate the said Act will face fines and penalties.
For the first offense, a Php 2,000 fine will be imposed on the parent or guardian of the minor and a required 48 hours of community service.
A minor who will violate the Act for the second time is required to attend two consecutive counseling regular sessions by the Barangay Council For The Protection Of Children (BCPC). It will also mandate parents or guardians to render 72 hours of community service and a fine of Php 3,000.
The third offense mandates the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to take over to hold a counseling and intervention program. A fine of Php 5,000 and imprisonment of six months will be imposed.
To ensure that implementation of the provision stated in the Act is enforced on a nationwide scale, the bill indicated secretaries or representatives of DSWD, Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), National Youth Commission (NYC), and child welfare non-governmental organization (NGO) to help and issue necessary rules and regulations for the Act.
