Iloilo city: Vice Mayor Lady Julie Grace Baronda has expressed her intention to review the Iloilo City Parental Responsibility Ordinance following recent incidents involving minors. On August 1, seven minors were implicated in separate stabbing incidents at Jaro plaza, and on August 3, 19 minors were involved in a melee in the Mandurriao district.

According to Philippines News Agency, Baronda, who previously served as an executive assistant until 2024, mentioned that discussions for the ordinance's implementing rules and regulations had been underway with the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO). "Since I am here as the vice mayor, it's high time we work on that and follow up with our local chief executive on the update on the ordinance," she stated.

The ordinance, authored by Baronda in 2018, aims to localize parental liability to reinforce their crucial role in their children's development, particularly concerning gang activities and curfew violations. It details parental responsibilities in areas such as welfare development, education, and health. It also imposes fines ranging from PHP500 to PHP5,000 for acts of neglect.

Moreover, Councilor Frances Grace Parcon-Torres is drafting a Comprehensive Juvenile Intervention Plan for Iloilo City, intended to assist the CSWDO and the Philippine National Police in addressing incidents involving minors. The plan emphasizes educating minors about their wrongdoings and preventing recurrence through counseling and spiritual formation.

The CSWDO will lead the plan's implementation, collaborating with the city's agriculture office, schools, and barangays. Parcon-Torres aims to introduce the proposed ordinance for first reading next week. Meanwhile, Mayor Raisa Tre±as has convened a multisectoral meeting to address the issue with relevant government offices, the minors involved, and their parents.