CEBU, Philippines – Governor Gwendolyn Garcia yesterday reminded all local chief executives to observe and strictly implement the Women’s Development Code of Cebu Province at the height of the controversial sex video scandal involving celebrities.
Aware over the selling of pornographic videos especially of the scandal involving sexy-actress Katrina Halili and Dr. Hayden Kho, the governor pointed out Provincial Ordinance 2005-18 or the Women’s Development Code, which mandates the province to protect women and children from exploitation.
Section 18 of the ordinance prohibits the printing, publication, display and distribution of pornographic scenes on movie, shows, cyberspace, posters and other materials and similar literature. Garcia also reminded that it is also prohibited to any person of agency who engages in shows depicting women as sex objects in private or in public places or under scandalous circumstances.
“Atong i-implement ang ordinansa sa probinsya. Basin mo-ingon na pud ta ani nga wala ta kahibalo,” Garcia said.
The governor even ordered all local chief executives to confiscate pornographic materials that are being sold in their areas.
Article 201 states that the penalty of imprisonment of six years and one day to 12 years, or a fine ranging from P6,000 to P12,000, shall be imposed upon “those who... exhibit indecent or immoral... shows, it being understood that the obscene... show, whether live or in film, shall include those which...satisfy the market for violence, lust or pornography... or are contrary to law, public order, morals, good customs, established policies, lawful orders, decrees, and edicts.”
Last month, Garcia filed a criminal complaint before the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor against person responsible for staging a bikini show in Bantayan Island during the Lenten Season.
Garcia even included sexy actress Maui Taylor, Jennifer Lee and actor Paolo Paraiso in the case citing violated Article 201 of the Revised Penal Code. — Garry B. Lao/NLQ (THE FREEMAN)