Question & AnswerQ&A (VALENZUELA CITY ORDICE NO. 216 Series of 2015)
The main purpose of Valenzuela City Ordinance No. 216, Series of 2015 is to amend Ordinance No. 13, Series of 2011 to regulate the establishment and operation of internet cafes, computer rental shops, and computer gaming shops in Valenzuela City, focusing on protecting minors from excessive online playing and exposure to violence and pornography.
Prohibited acts include performing or exhibiting sexual, immoral or obscene acts in front of digital or video cameras; producing or distributing immoral, obscene, evil, or violent images or videos; allowing surfing of pornographic, satanic, or violent websites; use of prohibited drugs, liquor, or cigarettes; engaging in gambling or online betting; use of closed cubicles with doors; and operating without proper business permits.
Persons below eighteen years old are restricted from entering these establishments during school hours (6:00 AM to 4:00 PM) unless for school-related research with proper documentation. Minors may enter from 4:00 PM to 10:30 PM on weekdays and have no restrictions during weekends, holidays, semestral breaks, and vacations, subject to barangay curfews.
A minor student must present a valid ID and a class schedule duly signed by the School Principal, issued by the Principal's Office.
Owners or managers may face criminal penalties of a fine up to Php 5,000 and/or imprisonment of up to one year, and administrative penalties including fines starting from Php 3,000 to Php 10,000 with possible confiscation of units and closure of the establishment on repeated offenses.
Applicants must submit a Barangay Clearance, requirements from the Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO), and a certificate of membership from a government-accredited association or any duly accredited NGO of internet cafes or similar establishments.
Internet cafes must have clear glass windows and front doors without obstructions like posters, provide an alarm system, and within one year install surveillance cameras to monitor and secure the establishment's operations.
The ordinance is implemented by the Task Force Disiplina created under Ordinance No. 92 Series of 2013, the Business Permit and Licensing Office, and supported by the Office of the City Mayor through the Legal Department which will provide implementing rules and regulations.
The ordinance took effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in a newspaper of general circulation.
No, the use or allowance of closed cubicles with doors in the operation of internet cafes or similar establishments is prohibited.