Mayor Paz creates task force to watch over karaoke bars

CEBU, Philippines - Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza said she created a task force whose main function is to closely monitor the operations of all karaoke bars and other entertainment joints in the city.

The task force, according to Mayor Radaza, is composed of representatives from the City Health Department, City Social Welfare Office, Philippine National Police and other offices whose duties and responsibilities are to assure public safety.

According to Mayor Radaza, the members of the task force are to monitor karaoke bars' compliance with existing ordinances of  the city, as well as with the regulations set by the City Health Department.

Radaza said the karaoke bar employees and those engaged in the same business should secure certificate from the City Health Department.

The city mayor said that they expect an increasing number of visitors in Lapu-Lapu and they wanted make sure of  their security and health safety.

Radaza said that the members of the City Local Council for Women and Children were also mobilized to identify whether workers in karaoke bars and other entertainment joints are within legal age.

The City Health Department is also in constant meeting with owners and managers of  karaoke bars and other entertainment  joints, said Radaza.

The Lapu-Lapu City government earlier closed down 16 karaoke bars in the city for their failure to secure business permits and for reportedly violating the city's anti-noise ordinance.

Meanwhile, the suggestion of Philippine Climate Change Commissioner Naderev Sano to the city government of Lapu-Lapu to impose environmental fee on the use the city's marine resources gets the support of Radaza.

Mayor Radaza in yesterday's press conference said that she fully supports Sano's suggestion because it will help the city government of Lapu-Lapu to implement programs aimed at addressing environmental problems in the city.

However, Mayor Radaza said she will ask members of the City Council to pass an ordinance since the move involves collection of money.

She further said that a public consultation is also needed to determine the sentiment of the affected sector on the proposal.

Mayor Radaza said she was convinced with the Sano's intention to address issues that threaten the city's marine resources.

Radaza admitted that the city's marine resources are being affected by those who irresponsible divers and illegal fishers.

Sano, who was the guest speaker in last week's climate change forum, said one way of addressing environmental issues is to impose fee to divers and other users of the seas.

He further said that city government should present a good program indicating where the collected money would be used. — (FREEMAN)