ROXAS CITY — A councilor here is proposing to pass an anti-topless ordinance following complaints on individuals roaming around villages without their shirts on.
Councilor Jericho Celino said he has received complaints that certain barangays here get stereotyped as places with many drug addicts due to people roaming around topless.
“Ginbase ini sa mga reklamo nga nakuha nakon nga nagalain ila imahe. Inang sa mga galakat-lakat, gatambay sa tiangge kay nasasal-an ila mga barangay nga puno sang adik,” Celino said.
The proposed ordinance was inspired by similar laws in other localities such as Davao.
Under the proposed measure, being topless inside the private premises will not be covered, as well as medical emergencies, people engaged in sporting activities, activities or events with a special permit from the city government or implementing agencies, indigenous people wearing ethnic clothes, and people in public swimming pools, beaches, and rivers.
The proposed fines were P500 for the first offense, P1,000 for the second offense, and P1,500 with five hours of community service for the third offense.
Once the measure is passed, it will be implemented by the Roxas City Traffic Management Unit, Philippine National Police, and barangay officials, Celino said.
With the city’s progress, it is important to show discipline by having appropriate clothing, he added.*
