Councilor seeks protection of minors in public rallies

Those planning to allow young participants in rallies or public assemblies will need to ensure that they are accompanied by a responsible adult and have parental consent, as required under a proposed ordinance currently being reviewed by the Mandaue City Council.

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Under the proposed ordinance, organizers will also be required to obtain the necessary permits to ensure that safety measures are properly observed during such events.

The measure, which has passed its first reading, seeks to safeguard minors in Mandaue City who participate in public demonstrations by balancing their constitutional rights with provisions that protect their safety and well-being.

Titled, “An Ordinance on the Protection of Minors in Public Assemblies and Rallies, Recognizing Their Constitutional and International Rights While Ensuring Their Safety, Welfare, and Meaningful Participation in Democratic Processes,” the proposal upholds the rights of minors to free expression and peaceful assembly while setting clear safety responsibilities for event organizers and supervising adults.

“But wala mi naglimit sa ilahang Freedom of Expression, it’s just that we want to make sure that they are safe,” said City Councilor Jennifer Del Mar, who authored the ordinance.

“Children are the future so they also need to express kung unsa ilahang gusto mahitabo,” she added.