By CESAR JOLITO III
The Sangguniang Bayan of Moises Padilla has approved a new ordinance aimed at promoting peace, order and public safety by regulating behavior in public spaces and strengthening protection for minors.
Municipal Ordinance No. 2026-215, known as the “Safer Community Ordinance of Moises Padilla,” was enacted in compliance with the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) directive to create safer and more orderly communities.
The measure was approved during the 41st council’s regular session.
The ordinance was introduced through a motion and received unanimous support from all 10 council members present.
Among its key provisions is a ban on the consumption of alcoholic beverages in public places such as streets, sidewalks, parks, and other open areas.
Drinking will only be allowed during fiestas and special occasions with an official permit issued by the mayor’s office.
The ordinance also prohibits individuals from walking or staying in public places without proper upper-body clothing as part of efforts to maintain public decency.
To address noise pollution, the measure restricts the use of videoke machines and loud sound systems in residential and public areas from 10:00 p.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Exceptions may be granted for celebrations such as birthdays, weddings and anniversaries upon approval of the concerned punong barangay.
A curfew for minors is likewise imposed under the ordinance.
Individuals aged 17 years old and below are prohibited from staying in public places between 10:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m., unless accompanied by a parent or guardian, attending school, church or official community activities, responding to emergencies, traveling with an adult, or engaged in work-related duties.
Violators of the public drinking, toplessness and noise control provisions will face escalating penalties: P500 for the first offense, P1,000 for the second offense, and P2,500 or imprisonment of up to six months for the third and subsequent offenses, subject to the court’s discretion.
For minors who violate the curfew, the ordinance emphasizes corrective and community-based interventions rather than monetary penalties.
First-time offenders will undergo counseling through the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office, second-time offenders will perform community service under the mayor’s office, while third and repeat offenders will participate in a tree-planting program supervised by the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office.
Parents or guardians will also be responsible for ensuring the survival of the planted trees.
Implementation of the ordinance will be carried out by the Philippine National Police, barangay officials, and authorized personnel of the local government unit.
The ordinance will take effect 10 days after its publication in three public places and publication in a newspaper, marking the municipality’s latest effort to foster a safer, quieter and more disciplined community./CCJ, WDJ