Lingam regulation deferred to encourage more discussion

CEBU, Philippines - A Cebu City councilor barred the passage of a resolution regulating the operations of massage parlors offering lingam massage.

But this does not mean that lingam massage is already accepted in Cebu City.

The deferment of the resolution is to encourage more discussion and for the council to come up with its official stand on the existence of lingam massage parlors being accused of promoting prostitution.

Council Edgardo Labella said that if they pass the resolution proposed by Councilor Jose Daluz III and Ronald Cuenco, it presupposes that they have already legitimized lingam operations.

The proposed resolution of Daluz and Cuenco requires lingam massage operators to secure accreditation with appropriate government agencies regulating its operation and ensuring its strict compliance with existing laws.

“It needs a thorough study and every angle must be taken into account because it does not only affect tourism but also our social and moral values,” Labella said.

He added that regulating lingam massage must not be through a resolution but through an ordinance, since a resolution cannot impose sanctions on violations.

But Daluz said they sponsored a resolution because they cannot impose a ban, since there is no law declaring it as illegal. They also want to show that the City Government is serious in regulating their operations because it has received various oppositions especially from the religious sector.

The City Council will be holding two public hearings to gather opinions before the council makes its official position.

Presiding officer Joy Augustus Young set the first public hearing next week during their regular session on Friday.

Doctors and experts on lingam massage for men and yoni massage for women will be invited to enlighten the council on the technical aspects of the massage like its therapeutic effects, if there is any, to those patronizing the service.

They will also invite the City Treasurer Office to discuss whether the business permits secured by these parlors are legal under the City’s Omnibus Tax Code.

Earlier, City Treasurer Ofelia Oliva said that these parlors have no permits to operate as lingam massage parlors but only as ordinary massage and spas. (THE FREEMAN)