With the rapid increase of positive cases of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), Valenzuela City intensifies Ordinance No. 670 Series of 2020 or the “Stay At Home Ordinance” during the 35^th Regular Session of Valenzuela City’s 8^th City Council last April 20, 2020.

Adding community service and making penalties known to every Valenzuelano, Ordinance No. 692 Series of 2020 amends Section 7 of the Stay At Home Ordinance, strictly implementing the imposition of an administrative penalty of Php 5,000 or rendering of community service to violators.

The amendment on Ordinance No. 670 Series of 2020 or “An Ordinance Imposing Restrictions on Unnecessary Travel and Loitering in the City of Valenzuela from 8:00 P.M to 5:00 A.M. in view of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), Providing Exemptions and Penalties therefor and for Other Purposes,” was enacted to strengthen the consistency on implementing policies during the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) period.

On the past few days, a number of curfew violators are still being apprehended by police personnel everyday in the City, where those who violated the ordinance were given awareness lectures on COVID-19.

Specifically, anyone who roams around, stroll, play, wander and loiter without any valid reason during the curfew time of 8:00 P.M. to 5:00 A.M. will be fined with the amount of Php 5,000 or community service such as, but not limited to, re-packing of relief goods in the City ALERT Center, distribution of relief goods in different barangays or other community services as may be determined by the City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD) Officer.

Minor offenders under fifteen (15) years of age who are taken into custody shall be released to his or her parent, guardian or nearest relative. The CSWDO will also determine an appropriate Intervention Program in consultation with the child or to the person having custody of the child.

Those who are above fifteen (15) years but below eighteen (18) years of age shall be turned over to the CSWDO not later than eight (8) hours after the apprehension. Parents/guardians and the minor offender shall both undergo an Intervention Program through counseling or community service. Failure to comply will be summoned before the Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) or may be penalized in accordance to the Code of Parental Responsibility (Ord. 396 S. 2017).

Moreover, a child caught under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs or has committed other offenses punishable under the Revised Penal Code shall still be turned over to the CSWDO.

As of today, Valenzuela City has a total of eighty (80) confirmed COVID-19 cases with the localized targeted mass testing ongoing.

With the second wave of food pack distribution to 230,000 families in the City, some ECQ violators are now rendering community service with the repacking of the food packs.

All constituents are encouraged to stay at home to avoid penalties or community service and other corresponding charges.