Youth group to ask SC to strike down ‘unconstitutional’ curfew ordinances

MANILA, Philippines — A youth group on Thursday said it would ask the Supreme Court (SC) to abolish illegal curfew ordinances.

Newly established youth activist organization, Samahan ng Progresibong Kabataan or SPARK, said it would file a petition for certiorari and prohibition before the SC since it opposes the abuse of powers of local government authorities in imposing curfews.

According to SPARK, its petition is the “first of its kind in the country.” It added that it seeks to solicit an issuance of a temporary restraining order pending a court decision on the petition.

SPARK particularly wants to prohibit the implementation of curfew ordinances of the cities of Manila, Quezon and Navotas on the grounds of its “unconstitutionality.”

“The petitioners claim that youth and children and in some cases their parents have fallen victim to arbitrary and discriminatory enforcement, the ordinances likewise impairs legitimate activities during curfew hours and deprives the parents their primary right in the rearing of their children among others,” Spark said in a statement.

SPARK will file its petition at the SC office in Ermita, Manila on Friday morning. — Rosette Adel