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SC upholds curfew for minors in QC, nullifies similar ordinances in Manila, Navotas


The Supreme Court (SC) has upheld the ordinance imposing curfew for minors in Quezon City even as it nullified similar ordinances in Manila and Navotas City.

During Tuesday's en banc session, the SC said Ordinance No. SP 2301, Series of 2014 imposing curfew for minors in Quezon City from 10 p.m. every night up to 5 a.m. the next day is constitutional.

The high court, however, nullified Manila's Ordinance No. 8046 and Pambansang Ordinansa Blg. 2002-13 issued by the Navotas City government.

The SC said the Manila ordinance with its provisions imposing reprimand, fines and imprisonment on minors runs counter to the provisions of Republic Act 9344 or Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act.

Both the Manila and Navotas ordinances also failed to provide the least restrictive means to carry out the curfew.

The ruling stemmed from the petition filed by a group led by the Samahan ng mga Progresibong Kabataan (SPARK) against the three local government units, represented by Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista, Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada and Navotas Mayor John Rey Tiangco.

The petitioners argued that the curfew ordinances were "ultra vires" or issued beyond the legal power and authority of the LGUs, for being contrary to Republic Act 9344 or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act.

The SC then issued a temporary restraining order on the three ordinances in July last year. —JST/KVD, GMA News

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