EDITORIAL - Preventing indecent shows

The Capitol has once again warned the public against the holding of any bikini events or indecent shows in the province this summer. Cebu acting governor Agnes Magpale reminded party organizers about a provincial ordinance barring such events during the Lenten season, especially the Holy Week.  

Magpale, the author of the Provincial Women's Code when she was a member of the Provincial Board, said she immediately turned down a proposal from someone asking if she would approve any bikini events this summer.  

She even reminded local chief executives and the police across the province that they are responsible for any indecent show occurring in their respective areas. While prohibiting such events, the Capitol called on the need to refrain from worldly activities as the Christian world comes to unite in the Lenten observance.     

In the past, Cebu has been a favorite destination for bikini shows happening almost every day during the hot season. With mushrooming beach resorts, the province has in fact gained the moniker as the country's bikini show capital with many celebrities coming in to participate in many competitions.   

In fact, several individuals from Manila, including a sexy starlet, were charged with indecent display during a Holy Week presentation at a resort in a northern town a couple of years ago. Facing imprisonment for violating a provincial ordinance, the respondents, including the event organizers, escaped prosecution after issuing a public apology.

But it remains to be seen whether authorities can really be successful in preventing such shows from happening. With hundreds of resorts sprouting across the province, it's really a tall order for the police to monitor any indecent shows in this time when all their resources have been spent on securing religious activities.

Any bikini show organizer who wants to cash in on the influx of tourists this summer would see no need for them to advertise their event. They would rather hold an impromptu show than take the risk of announcing it to the public that would surely land them in jail.

That is why the authorities really need public participation in this campaign.  Every Cebuano has the responsibility to be vigilant against this prohibited kind of entertainment.