The Valenzuela City Government strictly implements the Sangguniang Panlungsod Ordinance No. 13, series of 211, otherwise known as, “The Internet Ordinance of Valenzuela City,” beginning with a massive poster and tarpaulin campaign around the city.

The campaign aims to inform the public that in Valenzuela City, minors, or any person below 18 years old, are allowed at internet cafés, and computer rental and gaming shops from 4:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. only.

Tarpaulins were installed at conspicuous areas around the city and posters are being placed at internet cafés, and computer rental and gaming shops, to spread awareness among the owners and operators of such establishments that a new local law to regulate their operation is in force.

The simply designed poster, featuring clear-cut text and a sketch of a school-age girl in front of a personal computer stamped with a red caution symbol, is one of the series of posters and tarpaulins released by the Office of the City Mayor, through the Public Information Office (PIO), along with the posters/tarpaulins against selling of liquor and tobacco products to minors, and posters/tarpaulins on the prohibited hours of selling liquor and alcoholic products in the city.

Under the ordinance, minors shall be restricted to enter the internet shops and cafés from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and beyond 9:30 p.m., allowing them ample time of five hours and a half to do school research and home works.     

Furthermore, Section 5 of the said Ordinance limits the operating hours to until 1:00 a.m.  Internet cafes in the city are usually open 24/7.  “Minors lingering at internet shops till wee hours in the morning are among the reported concerns from parents and concerned citizens alike,” said City Mayor Sherwin T. Gatchalian of the rationale of the ordinance which he approved early this year.

The regulation of the allowable hours shall be fully-implemented except during weekends, holidays and school vacations.  Any violator shall be fined with a maximum of PhP 5, 000.00 and/or closure of the establishment and cancellation of the business permit.

The assigned team of the Business Compliance Task Force (BCTF) will soon conduct a massive random operation to check if internet shop owners will comply with the new local law. To report the violators, contact BCTF at 352-1000 local 1801- 1802 or at 292-1072 and provide the business name and exact location of the operators.