Recreation ban for students hard to impose, says Labella

The city council committee on laws, ordinances, public accountability and good government has found a proposed ordinance, which calls for the banning of students from recreation and amusement centers, difficult to implement.

For one, Councilor Edgardo Labella, who heads the committee, doubts whether the schoolchildren could be totally prevented from patronizing these establishments during school days.

In a two-page report rendered, Labella said there are serious problems, which need to be answered by Councilor Eduardo Rama Jr., the proponent of the measure.

While Rama intends to keep students from skipping classes, Labella would want to know who would implement the ordinance.

"It is worthwhile to closely examine whether the control aspects of this ordinance can be properly implemented. The impression of the general public is that we have so many laws which fall short on implementation," Labella said.

He said it would be difficult to determine whether children entering these places are attending school. If they are not in uniform, would they be considered out-of-school youths and allowed entry?" Labella said.

"Would the city assign personnel in malls, theaters, and amusement places to police these areas and arrest violators since the proposal includes sanctions and penalties," he added.

Labella's committee returned the proposed ordinance to Rama for revisions. - Garry B. Lao