Mayor questions ‘discriminating’dress code

CEBU, Philippines - Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza questioned what seemed to be a discriminating notice outside the City Health Office that requires the public to wear decent clothes upon entering the building.

Posted last month, the dress code notice prohibits wearing of sandos, slippers and short pants, as well as sleeveless shirts, spaghetti straps, mini-skirts and shorts.

"Kinahanglan ba gyud og dress code? Para  maserbisyuhan, i-require ba gyud ka nga mo-observe?" Radaza said after she saw the notice that was posted through Facebook.

Radaza emphasized that the Lapu-Lapu City Health Office is open to public and that the lifestyle or status of people should not prevent them from availing of basic government services.

"Dili ta dapat mopili kung kinsa ang serbisyuhan," Radaza said, adding that everyone in the community who has health concerns should be attended to.

One man reportedly complained that when he went to the said office, he was informed that wearing of slippers and shorts is not allowed.

He succeeded to enter the area at once but was informed that the next time he goes to the health office, he should observe the proper dress code.

To address the issue, Mayor Radaza said she is set to call the attention of Dr. Rodolfo Berame, city health officer, who is currently in Palawan.