The Supreme Court (SC) halts the curfew policy implemented for minors in Manila, Quezon City, and Navotas.
The high court also ordered to review the petition made by the Samahan ng Progresibong Kabataan (SPARK) on a window of ten days.
"The Court, acting on the Petition for Certiorari and Prohibition with Application for a Temporary Restraining Order challenging the 'Curfew Ordinances' of the three local governments, issued a TRO effective immediately and until further orders enjoining the three local government units from implementing and enforcing the 'curfew ordinances'," the high court said Tuesday after its en banc (full court) session.
SPARK claims that the curfew ordinance is contrary to Republic Act No. 9344 or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act where curfew violations are considered status offenses.
Status offenses is defined as offenses which implicate a child, while an adult does not suffer any penalty for committing similar acts. These shall include curfew violations, truancy, parental disobedience and the like.
However, SPARK said those caught violating curfews shall face a sanction of a reprimand for the youth and admonition for the parent or guardian.
Complainants added that the curfew ordinances strip minors of freedom of liberty and the right to travel.
Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer
Share It To Your Friends!
Loading...