Councilor Rodriguez backs stronger curfew enforcement in CdeO

DURING the 6th Regular Session of the 21st City Council, presided over by Vice Mayor Bebot Rodriguez, Councilor Jonjon Rodriguez expressed his full support to the special report of Councilor Roger Abaday on the implementation of city-wide curfew.

Councilor Rodriguez underscored the need to strengthen curfew enforcement at the barangay level, noting that barangay officials are the first responders to incidents. He stressed that the curfew is vital in preventing accidents and unlawful activities, particularly among the youth and minors, and should be implemented in a way that upholds both safety and the rights of children.

His remarks came in the wake of Councilor Abaday’s proposal to amend the 1994 curfew ordinance to align with Republic Acts 9344 and 10630, or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act, which promotes the protection, treatment, and rehabilitation of children in conflict with the law.

Under the proposed amendment, curfew violations for minors would be decriminalized and treated as cases for “rescue” rather than arrest. Parents or guardians would be held more accountable, reflecting modern legal standards that place greater emphasis on rehabilitation over punishment.

As chairperson of the Committee on Social Services, which is mandated to safeguard the welfare and safety of the city’s youth, Councilor Rodriguez committed to participating in a joint committee meeting with the Committee on Public Safety and other concerned committees to further enhance curfew implementation. (JDO/SP)