Capitol assesses cases vs. those involved in Bantayan bikini show

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu provincial government has started evaluating whether or not to already withdraw the criminal cases filed against the celebrities and the organizers of the controversial Bantayan Island bikini show in 2008 following a published written public apology to the Cebuanos.

Capitol spokesperson Rory Jon Sepulveda said the public apology of celebrities Maui Taylor and Jennifer Lee and those of show organizers Equgene Elton Tio, Asuncion Celia Floro, Mercy Gumera and Roumel Salomon which saw print on the local newspapers is part of the agreement reached during their meeting with Governor Gwendolyn Garcia last week.

“Gi-asses lang namo ang ilang saad nga mohimo og public apology ug mosuporta sa mga programa sa kababayen-an labi pa sa probinsiya,” Sepulveda said.

He explained that as soon as they are convinced of the public apology and their promise to help in the programs of the province for the promotion of the welfare of women, the Capitol, through provincial attorney Marino Martinquilla, will make the necessary manifestation before the court to withdraw the case.

“The manifestation will come either now or after March,” he added.

According to Sepulveda, the celebrities have agreed to endorse the women’s month celebration of Cebu next month. In fact, Lee has reportedly volunteered to speak during the women’s assembly to give her testimony.

Taylor, who is Maureen Anne Fainsan in real life, and Lee together with the organizers of the bikini show held in Bantayan Island during the Holy week in 2008 were sued by Garcia for violating a local ordinance and the Revised Penal Code.

The celebrities met with Garcia last week to apologize but the governor told them to address their apology to the Cebuanos through the newspapers. Few days after the meeting, a warrant of arrest was issued by the Regional Trial Court in Bogo City against Taylor.

The arrest warrant however has not been served yet to the celebrity.

The celebrities and the organizers of the show were charged for violations of the Provincial Ordinance 2005-18 and Article 201 of the Revised Penal Code.

In their public apology, the accused claimed to have “realized that the purposes and objectives of the laws have been transgressed” when they participated and organized the bikini show.

They vowed not to commit the same wrong again and instead support the ideals of the local ordinances that they have violated. — Fred P. Languido/WAB   FREEMAN NEWS)