Governor files charges vs. those behind bikini show

CEBU, Philippines – Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia has filed a case against the owner of Rommels Beach Resort and the organizers of a “bikini show” including other persons with involvement of the conduct of the said show in Santa Fe, Bantayan Island before the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office yesterday.

The governor got angry at those behind the show for defying an executive order, which she issued that the provisions of the Provincial Women’s Development Code must be strictly followed.

Garcia said that the bikini show violated Chapter II, Article II Section 19 (Pornographic and Indecent Shows) of the provincial ordinance. Charges were also filed for violation of the Revised Penal Code with regards to indecent shows.

The has repeatedly expressed opposition to what she describes as indecent shows that desecrate womanhood.

Among the respondents are Rommel Solomon, the owner of the beach resort; Elton Tio, the organizer of the show; and other persons whose participations and identities are still to be verified, but will soon be named as respondents of the said complaint.

Hundreds of local and foreign tourists as well as Bantayan residents reportedly gathered at the beach resort to watch the show and paid P100 as entrance fee.

The activity reportedly started at around 8:00 in the evening with a live band presentation. At around 11 p. m., three sets of fashion shows started.

The first featured models in casual attire.

For the second set, the female models were already wearing bikinis while the men wore trunks.

The highlight of the show was the presence of the Viva Hot Babes, who strutted their wares on stage at around 12 midnight.

The Hot Babes present were Maui Taylor and Jennifer Lee, they were joined by actor Paolo Paraiso. The show business personalities reportedly were on stage wearing their bikinis with other men and women also clad in beach attire dancing with them.

Garcia also vowed to look deeper into this matter and vowed to use all her powers to make those responsible answer for their misdeed.

She also said that municipal officials of Santa Fe cannot say they are not aware of the executive order as this was sent to them last April 7.

The governor also urged sexy stars not to accept offers to hold shows in Cebu.

Garcia is set to meet the municipal and police officials of Santa Fe as well as the chief of the Cebu Provincial Police Office, Sr. Supt. Carmelo Valmoria. – Jasmin R. Uy Mark Z. Gantuangco/NLQ (THE FREEMAN)