KABATAAN Party-list Representative Renee Co has strongly criticized the government’s proposed “enhanced” curfew guidelines, warning that stricter enforcement measures will fail to address the country’s deeper social problems.

Co raised concerns over the curfew plan under the “Safer Cities Initiative” ordered by Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and presented by Jonvic Remulla of the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

She described the policy as “blatantly anti-poor and elitist,” arguing that it disproportionately targets marginalized youth instead of addressing the root causes of crime.

“Instead of bringing out batons, the government should resolve the real drivers of crime—an oppressive economy and the administration’s failed housing policies,” Co said.

The lawmaker questioned the premise of stricter curfews, emphasizing that limiting movement does not necessarily translate to genuine protection for young people.

She stressed that disadvantaged youth—particularly those experiencing homelessness—are being unfairly profiled and excluded under the proposed measures.

“Is making communities ‘safer’ about targeting poor youth? There is no connection. This program does not truly aim to protect them or maintain peace and order. Instead, marginalized youth are being villainized, neglected, and erased,” she added.

Co also criticized what she described as a push for a “lifestyle change” that effectively displaces the poor, calling the policy ill-timed amid rising oil prices and broader economic challenges.

She urged the administration to prioritize long-term, systemic solutions, including addressing poverty, regulating oil prices, increasing funding for basic social services, removing value-added tax and other regressive taxes, and holding corrupt officials accountable.

“If the government is serious about protecting the youth, it must confront poverty head-on,” Co said.