SC says Quezon City curfew on minors is legal: sources

August 8, 2017

The Supreme Court on Tuesday declared as constitutional an ordinance in Quezon City implementing curfews on minors.

However, the SC disallowed similar ordinances in the cities of Manila and Navotas, which were assailed by a youth group, Samahan ng Progresibong Kabataan (Spark), in July 2016.

The SC ruled that Ordinance No. SP 2301- 2014 by the Quezon City government imposing curfew is constitutional. This ordinance, passed in 2014, lays down a 10 pm to 5 am curfew for minors.

The ruling has yet to be announced by the High Tribunal but sources said this was passed.

The petitioner, which is a youth group, claimed the curfew violates the right of minors to liberty and to travel without substantive due process. The curfew “deprives parents of the natural and primary right in the rearing of the youth without substantive due process,” they added.

Quezon City Police Director Guillermo Eleazar said in a phone interview with The Daily Manila Shimbun “That’s good. That’s a welcome development for us”.

Eleazar said they have not yet received an official advisory stating the TRO was lifted.

He said there has been a setback since the TRO was implemented on July 26, 2016. The Quezon City police is “very happy” with the decision of the Supreme Court, he added. DMS