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.
