CEBU, Philippines - Is it right to prohibit couples from kissing and necking in public parks?
Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama wants such acts prohibited in the city’s public parks and it should be properly defined in the proposed ordinance now pending for approval by the City Council.
The approval of a proposed legislative measure sponsored by Councilor Nida Cabrera prescribing rules for the use of public parks and plazas was deferred in last Wednesday’s session because of queries by some city legislators whether kissing and necking can be considered a scandalous or indecent act.
Couples, both minors and mature, often date at the Plaza Independencia and Fuente Osmeña parks and show their affection by necking and kissing.
Councilor Richard “Ritchie” Osmeña believes kissing and necking is not an immoral act and it should not be prohibited.
“In my own assessment we should not deprive the right of persons in showing one’s affection to another. That is his right,” Osmeña said, adding that “The ordinance needs more fine-tuning to get to the bottom line.”
Osmeña said acts beyond mere necking and kissing are the ones that should be prohibited.
“Dili pa man gud ta andam nga mosunod sa batasan sa mga European. Pahimangnoan nato ang mga ginikanan nga bantayan nila ang ilang mga anak aron dili sila magkaproblema unya,” Rama said
Councilor Alvin Dizon also supports that kissing and necking will be prohibited in public plazas.
“Private and intimate acts should not be done in public places. Not appropriate for the children to see,” he said.
Cabrera was asked by her fellow city legislators to resubmit her proposed legislative measure for the third and final reading during next Wednesday’s regular session of the City Council.
Once the proposed ordinance will be approved, nobody will be allowed to bring pets, vehicles, or have picnics inside the public plazas, particularly at the Plaza Independencia.
The proposed ordinance also prohibits the climbing of trees, monuments or installing any structures like stores inside the public plazas. Groups who wish to use the plaza for any activity must first get permission from City Hall.
Those caught violating the rules would be fined not less than P500 but not more than P1,000 or imprisoned not less than one month and not more than six months. —(FREEMAN)