JAN.

27, 2011 DATE

MR # 2293B
REF. NO.

Solons move to ensure minors welfare and protection Lawmakers have filed a bill that seeks to ensure childrens welfare and protection following reports of growing number of crimes, ranging from robbery, murder, auto theft and drug-related offenses committed by minors. Buhay Party-list Reps. Mariano Michael Velarde, Jr. and William Irwin Tieng authored House Bill 5671 to promote the general welfare of the youth and protect them from acts, conditions, or influences that are prejudicial to their development. In pushing for the immediate approval of the bill, Velarde cited a 2009 report saying the government called upon mayors in Metro Manila to deal with at least 233 destructive gangs composed mainly of minors engaged in drug-related crimes. In that same report, a government official said in the third quarter of 2008 alone, Metro Manila-based youth gangs committed at least 79 serious crimes ranging from robbery, inflicting physical injury on another person, murder, auto theft, and payroll heists, Velarde said. Cities of Lucena and Bacolod have recognized the problem of minors frequenting Internet shops during class hours, prompting local governments to enact ordinances that prevent such vice, Velarde added. The measure, to be known as the Youth Welfare and Protection Act, shall prohibit school children from loitering in public places outside their school grounds/campuses during school hours and entering the premises of all hotels, motels, lodging houses unless accompanied by their parents/guardians or adult relatives. Videoke bars and beer houses shall not allow the entry of minors whether they are accompanied by parents, guardians, elders or relatives or not, Velarde declared. Under the measure, all newly formed youth organizations must apply for accreditation from the office of the municipal or city mayor of that particular place, with the recommendation of its youth and sports council which is tasked to guide, monitor, and supervise youth organizations.

JAN. 27, 2011 DATE

MR # 2293B
REF. NO.

No person shall force, coerce, bully, or deceive any juvenile into joining any organization, fraternity, sorority, gang, or association. Recruiters must secure permission from the parents/guardians of the child/juvenile being recruited, Velarde said. Tieng also cited a report from the Health Action Information Network stating that Filipino youths start drinking alcohol at the age of 16 or 17. There are also many cases of children, as young as 12 years old, already drinking alcoholic beverages, Tieng said. The measure also prohibits establishments to sell to a minor liquor and other intoxicating drinks, tobacco products, illegal drugs, rugby and other habit-inducing solvents, or pornographic materials, videos, magazines, books or tapes that are detrimental to the development of a child. Likewise, it shall also be unlawful for any minor to smoke cigarettes, cigars, and other tobacco products; to sniff Rugby or any habit-inducing solvent; to drink liquor or any intoxicating drinks; and to engage in any form of gambling, such as jueteng, lotto, card games, cara y cruz, and bingo, among others, Tieng said. The measure imposes penalties to violators ranging from hours of community service, fines and penalties, cancellation of business permit; and appropriate disciplinary action or counseling. It cannot be concealed that the youth of the country is beset with countless social ills. Evidently, this truth reveals how our youths growth is hampered from becoming productive, responsible, and nationalistic members of the Filipino community, thus, this bill, Tieng said. (30) jsc