Lapu-Lapu health officer recommends closure of "lingam" massage parlor

CEBU, Philippines -  The Lapu-Lapu City government has begun cracking down on massage parlors that offer "lingam services."

 "Lingam" is the Sanskrit term for penis and the parlor's service involves the mashing or caressing of the male organ.

 To others, lingam means "Wand of Light."

 City Health Officer Rodolfo Berame yesterday recommended the closure of the Healing Space Massage-Lingam Services located at Marina Mall.

 In the ocular inspection conducted by the city health department in all spa and massage establishments, the team found out that Healing Space Massage had committed several violations, which is the basis of their recommendation for closure.

 Eva Senerpida, Maria Igot, and Nerissa Sorono, who comprise the inspection team, found that the parlor has no mayor's permit and a sanitary permit.

 The inspection committee noticed that the seven female therapists have no health certificates, which they must secure from the city health department.

 The inspection committee saw that every room was obscured only by a "shower curtain" and only male customers are welcomed.

 Berame, in his report, recommend establishment be closed and appropriate legal action taken.

 Marina Mall is owned by businessman Efrain Pelaez, who ran for mayor against Mayor Paz Radaza.

 Marina Mall is not paying any taxes to the city government arguing that it is under the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA).

 But in a separate interview with The FREEMAN, Radaza said the Marina Mall is not being singled out in the inspection.

 Radaza said she will meet with all stakeholders in the city including spa and parlor owners today to discuss things such as "lingam."

 Lingam is a Sanskrit word for the male genitals although it also loosely means the "Wand of Light." This has becoming more popular in Cebu. The massage is popular among the males as it includes massage of the testicles, perineum and the prostate.

 Radaza said that if the massage parlors are found to be involved in "immoral and unethical health practices", she will not hesitate to close the establishment.

 Radaza already ordered a tight watch on spas and massage parlors in the city after the discovery of an indecent massage service being offered at a "lingam" parlor in neighboring Mandaue City.

 Radaza said spas and massage parlors thrive in Lapu-Lapu, being Cebu's gateway for foreign and local visitors.

It can be recalled that the Cebu Provincial Women's Commission identified the "lingam" parlor in Mandaue City, whose female attendants also allegedly had sex with the male customers. — THE FREEMAN