Metro Manila, Philippines – Malacañang defended the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s “Safer Cities” initiative, saying stricter enforcement of local ordinances is meant to protect the public, even as critics warn of possible abuse and legal concerns.
Palace press officer Claire Castro said the program is not new, as it only enforces existing ordinances such as curfew for minors and restrictions on public drinking and late-night activities.
“Unang-una po, ito’y matagal nang mga ordinansa, pinapatupad lamang po ng DILG,” Castro said during a Palace briefing.
[Translation: First of all, these are long-standing ordinances, and the DILG is only implementing them.]
She rejected claims that the initiative is anti-poor, saying enforcement is aimed at ensuring safety, particularly for minors.
“Hindi naman po ibig sabihin na ang pagdidisiplina sa mga kabataan para mas maging safe sila at protected ay anti-poor na,” she said.
[Translation: It does not mean that disciplining the youth to keep them safe and protected is anti-poor.]
The Palace also acknowledged concerns about potential abuse by law enforcers and urged the public to report violations.
“Sa lahat ng nang-aabuso, ngayon pa lamang po ay isumbong ninyo po agad para po maproteksiyunan din ang mga inaabuso,” Castro said.
[Translation: For anyone abusing their authority, report them immediately so victims can be protected.]
The DILG initiative includes stricter enforcement of a 10 p.m. curfew for minors, as well as local ordinances on public drinking and other community rules, with authorities saying the goal is to deter crime and improve safety in urban areas.
Critics, however, warned the policy could disproportionately affect vulnerable sectors.
Kabataan Rep. Renee Co earlier described the initiative as a “band-aid solution” to deeper economic problems, arguing that rising crime is linked to worsening economic conditions.
She also called the program “anti-poor and elitist,” saying the government should focus on addressing rising fuel prices and access to basic services instead of intensifying enforcement.
Youth group Samahan ng Progresibong Kabataan echoed these concerns, warning that stricter curfew implementation could lead to profiling and harassment, especially among young people engaged in informal work.
