CAIB asked to go after porn providers

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City councilor Arsenio Pacaña is asking the City Anti-Indecency Board to coordinate with other law enforcement agencies to take appropriate action on reports that some individuals are providing computers that can access pornographic shows and sites for a fee.

Pacaña, chairman of the committee on trade, commerce and entrepreneurship, said he received a report that for a mere fee of P1 to P5 for every five minutes, schoolchildren can easily view pornographic sites using the computers operated by some private individuals.

“The city government through this August body must immediately take action against the aforesaid illegal activity that is spreading fast in the city’s barangays before public morals, public welfare and public good would further deteriorate,” said Pacaña in a resolution.

According to Pacaña while the Internet may be a great help to the students because they can research on their subjects, the threat of pornographic materials reaching innocent children is also a real threat.

“Though the presence of household Internet has benefited a great number of people as it provides easy access to the use of communication and information technology, however the danger of uncontrolled use may allow innocent children to easily access pornographic sites,” he said.

Pacaña explained that while the city council has enacted City Ordinance 2060 that restricts the students in the primary and secondary levels from entering Internet cafes during school hours, this does not prevent them from using the Internet computers being operated in their neighborhoods.

The FREEMAN learned that while there is an existing city ordinance that prohibits the operations of internet cafés without permits, the city has failed to take action against several persons who continue to operate unlicensed Internet businesses in the city. — Rene U. Borromeo/BRP   (FREEMAN NEWS)