Munti bans construction of 'immoral' motels, inns

MANILA, Philippines - The Muntinlupa City government has suspended the construction of new motels and inns, saying it needs to protect the morality of its residents.

In an executive order (EO) issued last March, Mayor Aldrin San Pedro imposed a moratorium on the issuance of business licenses and permits to those planning to construct motels, inns, or similar establishments in the city.

“It is the policy of the city to uphold and protect the morality of the people; safeguard the dignity and reputation of the city; (and) promote their wellbeing, particularly the youth and the women sectors,” the order read.

City public information chief Omar Acosta said the EO took effect last month, 15 days after it was published in a newspaper of general circulation.

“The mayor does not want the proliferation of motels because some of them – we are not saying all – are being used as props for prostitution,” Acosta told The STAR over the phone, adding there are at least five motels and inns in the city.

As a result of the EO, construction of Astrotel in Barangay Alabang will be affected, Acosta said.

According to the EO, the new directive follows Kautusang Bayan 88-01, issued when Muntinlupa was still a municipality, which “prohibits pornographic movies in cinemas and other private places.”