Lapu-Lapu can't force law on "lingam" parlor at Marina Mall

CEBU, Philippines – Unless a legal issue involving Lapu-Lapu City and the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) is resolved in court, the massage parlor in Marina Mall that offers the controversial "lingam" massage technique will continue to operate.

The City Health Department has recommended the closure of two massage parlors offering this particular service, namely, the Healing Space Massage in Marina Mall and the Chuva-Chuva Lingam Massage in Mactan Town Center. "Lingam" involves the stroking of the male sex organ.

The two parlors also lack sanitary and health permits from the city government.

But in a press conference yesterday, Mayor Paz Radaza admitted that the city government is "constrained" from closing the Healing Space Massage because of the existing case in court.

The Chuva-Chuva massage has been order to comply with the requirements.

According to Radaza the city cannot issue a cease and desist order to the Healing Space Lingam Services because the city has a case with the Mactan Marina Mall and its between Efrain Pelaez as the owner of the building and the Philippine Economic Zone Authority to decide regarding the action on the parlor.

"Akong isumbalik sa ilaha (PEZA), mo-tolerate ra diay mo og ingon niini? The Peza administrator has the right to reprimand kay ila man kaha nang jurisdiction or Pelaez as the owner of the building," Radaza said.

Radaza had warned to shut down massage and spa parlors that offer the Lingam technique describing it as indecent.

Lingam was first discovered in neighboring Mandaue.

Radaza said the service is absolutely indecent and immoral and therefore should not be allowed because it will encourage prostitution.

Last year, the city shut down the Marina Mall, which is owned by businessman Efrain Pelaez, for lack of business permits and other regulatory permits from the city government.

But Pelaez insisted the mall is under the jurisdiction of PEZA from which he obtained all his permits.

City legal officer James Abadia, who was also in the press conference, said the legal department has argued before the court that the law that created the Export Processing Zone Authority and its amendment show that it is only limited to businesses which are import and export in nature.

Furthermore, Radaza said the city's legal department is still studying the matter.

"The other option is to ask media for help or else we will use police power and coordinate with the DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development)," she said. (THE FREEMAN)