Deputy Minority Leader Rep. Bernadette Herrera of the Bagong Henerasyon Party-list says that her proposed “National Curfew Act” isn’t an infringement of the rights of the youth.

Herrera, during a press conference at the Batasang Pambansa Complex on Monday, Aug. 8., was asked if her proposed law could be a violation on the rights and freedoms of the youth.

“Wala naman tayong tinatanggal sa kanila except that wala naman talagang overt na rason kung bakit silang nasa labas ng tahanan (We don’t take anything away from them except that there really is not an overt reason as to why they are outside of their homes) at that particular time and kaya sila mga minors dahil syempre tayo pa rin ang dapat gumabay sa kanila bilang magulang (as they are still minors, we should still be the ones to guide them as their parents),” she told reporters.

Herrera filed House Bill (HB) 1016 or the National Curfew Act. Her measure mandates the imposition of a curfew of 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. on persons below the age of 18.

“Naniniwala ako (I believe) that this is one way of guiding them and helping them,” she underscored.

Read: https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/07/minors-curfew-measure-refiled-in-house/

The lawmaker explained that she does not see any valid reason for members of the youth under the age of 18 to be out and about beyond her prescribed curfew hours.

“Wala akong nakikita na matinding rason except kung nagtatrabaho sila nang may DOLE permit or if galing sila sa paaralan na may night class or nagkaroon ng aberya kaya di sila makauwi or kaya may official function sa simbahan, sa organisasyon o anuman (I don’t see any good reason except if they’re working with a DOLE permit or if they came from night classes or if a problem kept them from coming home or perhaps an official function of the church and other organizations),” the deputy minority leader continued.

Herrera said the nationwide curfews that were implemented early into the Covid-19 pandemic set the precedent for the enactment of her proposed measure.

“It was being implemented by the national government even without the law during the time of the pandemic and nakita natin (we saw that) it was effective,” she said.

“I’m sure that all parents would agree with me ngayon (now) that the economy is open and we’re happy pero pag may mga anak tayo na lumalabas andun na naman yung pangamba at kaba natin (but when we have children that go out, it comes with fear and worry on our part),” added Herrera, who is also a parent.