De Guzman reminds internet cafes to implement ban on students

Marikina Mayor Del De Guzman reminds all Internet cafe and computer rental shop owners to religiously exercise their authority and rights on prohibiting students and minors renting their computer units during school hours.

"Since classes have started already last month, we have reminded all computer rental shop owners that the city government has been conducting inspections in computer rental shops since the passage of our ordinance. This is done to avoid students cutting classes just to play computer games or visit social networking sites," De Guzman said.

This is stated in Ordinance No. 44, Series of 2006 which regulated the establishment and operation of Internet cafes or computer rental shops/computer gaming shops in the city of Marikina. According to the said ordinance, students and minors who visit the said establishments should be prohibited from playing computer games especially during school hours that can adversely affect their performance in school.

De Guzman also reminded computer rental shop owners about the prohibited activities stated in the said ordinance like sexual acts; pornographic materials; use or trade of illegal drugs, liquor, and cigarettes; and gambling. Also, establishments are required to place signboards in their shop stating, "Internet pornography and on-line gambling are prohibited!" Any student of minor age who shall enter Internet cafes or computer rental shops must present his identification (ID) cards and class schedule issued by the school's Registrar's Office.

Moreover, for both students and out-of-school minors, entry to the premises during curfew hours (11:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. of the following day) is likewise prohibited unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. Regular inspections are being conducted by the city government to ensure that students are not loitering in computer shops during school hours.

An inspection team composed of representatives from Business Permit and Licensing Office, Office of Public Safety and Security, Department of Education- Marikina, Bantay Bayan, and Barangay employees shall roam around the city to ensure effective implementation of the said ordinance.

Owners, proprietors, and managers of Internet cafes, computer rental or computer gaming shops shall be penalized with a fine of PhP 5,000 for every violation they commit. - marikina.gov.ph — ARA