Free access to CRs of public, private buildings pushed

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Councilor Alvin Arcilla wants all public offices and commercial establishments within the city to provide the public with free access to their comfort rooms.

The councilor also proposes that officials of public offices and owners of commercial establishments who will not comply with the requirement shall be slapped with a fine of P5,000.

Arcilla said he observed that in some public offices and commercial establishments, the toilets can be used only by its personnel.

The City Council’s committee on laws and ordinances headed by Councilor Edgardo Labella has been tasked to review the proposed ordinance and to submit a report soon.

According to Arcilla, it is unfortunate to hear complaints from tourists and the general public of the practice by some public offices and business establishments limiting the use of their toilets only to transacting clients or for their customers only.

In some business establishments, even the customers cannot use their toilets because it is intended only for their employees.

Arcilla said while it is recognized that business establishments are privately owned, for humanitarian reasons and considerations, it is incumbent upon them to provide to the general public free use of their basic amenities, specifically the use of comfort rooms.

But an employee of a downtown fast food store explained to The FREEMAN that if their comfort rooms are opened to the public, “daghan man gud kaayo nga hugawan kon bisan dili mga customers pagamiton sa toilet.”

Perlita Moreno, a resident of Barangay Apas, expressed support to Arcilla’s proposed measure, saying “Daghan g’yud ang malipay ana kon ma-approve.”

Arcilla said in some establishments, such as in fast food stores, personnel will give customers a run around when they ask to use the toilets and they will say that the person in-charge of the key is not around.

He suggested that once the ordinance is approved, a violation shall also constitute as a ground to deny the issuance of a business permit or revocation of the permit.

The City Council has already scheduled a public hearing on the proposed ordinance in January where interested parties will be allowed to appear before the city legislators to air their side. (FREEMAN)