CEBU, Philippines – Honorary Consul General of the Republic of South Korea in Cebu lawyer Augusto Go yesterday contradicted the statement of pro-life advocate Rene Joseph Bullecer that Koreans visits massage and spas in the city to avail of lingam and yoni massage.
Bullecer said that some tourists especially Koreans have been flocking to massage parlors in Cebu City because of the lingam and yoni massage.
But Go challenges Bullecer to present evidence before coming up with a statement that will malign the reputation of the Koreans.
"How did he know? What is his basis? I don't want to believe that because it's just according to him. Show me proof first," Go told The FREEMAN.
Go pointed out that Koreans come to Cebu to visit historical sites and beautiful beaches.
Lingam massage is massage for the male customer's sexual organ while yoni massage is for the female genitals.
According to Bullecer, the yoni and lingam massage is being offered in massage parlors and spas in Cebu City.
Based on the records, the Koreans still rank the highest in terms of tourist arrivals in Cebu. It has been said that Korean nationals opt to study here because of the Fili-pinos' good command in English, aside from the fact that it is a lot cheaper to study language here than in their own country.
Go also said that some customers who avail extra service of yoni or lingam massage is immoral.
"That kind of service is immoral," Go added.
Like Go, City Councilor Margot Osmeña, chairman of the committee on tourism, said there is a "valid concern" to take up in the city council regarding the operations of lingam massage.
Osmeña was tasked by Vice Mayor Joy Augustus Young to draft guidelines on lingam massage, a kind of service in local massage parlors and spas, so that it will not lead to "extra services."
Young said there are many foreigners and tourists who come here because of the lingam massage.
Lingam massage supposedly prevents or treats prostate problems for elderly male clients.
But Osmeña is not buying that argument.
Osmeña said she will be listening to some invited resource speakers this coming Friday's council session regarding the operation of lingam massage.
But Osmeña is also quick to say that she will not support it, if perceived to be immoral.
"Anything immoral is immoral, and it is not welcome," Osmeña added.
Last March, the Cebu City Council passed a resolution asking the Cebu Anti-Indecency Board and law enforcement agencies to investigate if these massage parlors offering lingam massage were involved in immoral and lewd practices. - Garry Lao/ Edmund Monisit, USJR Masscom Intern/JPM (FREEMAN)