Two city councilors want spiders declared illegal

CEBU, Philippines – The Cebu City Council will discuss on Friday the proposal to declare illegal the catching, selling and buying of spiders within the territorial jurisdiction of the city.

At least two city councilors have proposed an ordinance to impose P500 fine to those who are caught catching, selling and even buying spiders.

Violators who fail to pay the fine will be required to render eight hours community service.

Councilors Edgardo Labella and Sisinio Andales likewise proposed that minors who will be caught violating the ordinance shall be subjected to counseling with their parents by the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Labella, chair of the City Council's committee on agriculture, said it has been observed that spiders, which are considered wild and venomous species, normally sighted in farm areas have been caught and were sold on city streets which are used for gambling.

Labella said because of the popularity of spider fights, which are held almost anywhere, traders are encouraged to catch them and sold them to those who are engage in this betting game.

According to Labella, this kind of insect should not be caught because spiders in their natural habitat are said to have reduced mosquitoes, meaning they also help in the campaign against the spread of dengue.

He added that it is the policy of the state to promote among its citizens, a high standard of morality, far from encouraging young children to engage in any form of gambling.

The spider fights are very common, particularly in the vicinity of public schools and public markets where students engage in betting.

Labella was compelled to propose that catching, selling and buying of spiders are to be declared illegal in the city because of the Department of Education's failure to stop the activity in public schools.

The City Council earlier asked the DepEd officials to stop the practice in schools. (FREEMAN)