Cebu City strengthens law vs indecent materials

The Cebu City Committee on Laws, Ordinances, Public Accountability and Good Government has recommended the amendment of an ordinance to augment the city's campaign against the proliferation of indecent materials.

The committee made its recommendation after studying a proposed ordinance authored by Councilor Procopio Fernandez, which called for the amendment of several sections of City Ordinance No. 1408 that created the Cebu City Anti-indecency Board, which shall pass upon the exhibition, printing, circulation or sale of obscene pictures, films, books or publications, stage shows, and skits in the city.

A significant proposed amendment is in section seven of the ordinance, which, if approved by the city council, would declare as unlawful the displaying of obscene and pirated tapes and discs in shopping malls and other licensed records shops.

Another significant observation of the committee is the conduct of a random inspection of theaters and movie houses during the regular run and exhibition of pictures and films rated "For Adults Only" to check on illegal insertions and trailers.

The report was signed by committee chairman Edgardo Labella, vice chairman Jose Daluz and members Procopio Fernandez, Jocelyn Pesquera and Hilario Davide III.- Joeberth M. Ocao