Macabalan youth protection ordinance referred for legal review

The committee on barangay affairs, chaired by Councilor Marlo L. Tabac, has referred the ordinance of Barangay Macabalan on minors’ curfew, substance use, and parental accountability to the City Legal Office for review.

The measure seeks to address minors roaming the streets late at night and engaging in substance abuse, which results in petty crimes and public disturbances in the community.

The barangay council attributed the problem to the inadequate parental guidance, supervision, and discipline.

Under the measure, parents or guardians found to have neglected their responsibilities would face graduated penalties.

For the first offense, they would receive a formal written warning from the barangay and be required to render three months of community service. The second offense would carry a fine of ₱500 and mandatory attendance at a parental responsibility seminar.

For the third offense, the proposed ordinance imposes a fine of ₱1,000 and the formal referral of the case to the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWD) for appropriate intervention and possible legal action under applicable laws.

The measure cites Articles 276 and 277 of the Revised Penal Code, concerning abandonment of minors, and Republic Act No. 7610, or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act, as possible legal bases for further action against parents or guardians, subject to the circumstances of each case and applicable legal requirement. (JAO/SP)