Improper cellphone use irks Binay

Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay called on the city’s chief of police and the Department of Public Safety to enforce the ban on the use of mobile phones inside movie houses, theaters, churches and libraries.

Binay said that his office has received numerous complaints about violators of the city ordinance banning the use of mobile phones, beepers and laser lights inside the specified places.

Based on the ordinance, the term public places was defined as "places where people gather, assemble or frequent to study, concentrate and relax or simply buy a moment of silence, which includes but is not limited to public libraries, prayer rooms among others."

Specifically, moviegoers within the city have been complaining about the incessant ringing of mobile phones during the showing of films inspite of the ordinance.

As an immediate solution to the problem, Binay called on the owners and operators of the movie houses to instruct security personnel in their establishments to enforce the ordinance.

In addition, Binay said that the offended patrons could enforce the ordinance themselves with the full support of the city government.

"Every person offended by this unethical practice can enforce the ordinance themselves. This is a move aimed at restoring basic decency in public places," Binay said.

A fine of P500 is imposed on violators of the ordinance for the first offense, P1,000 for the second offense and P3,000 or 72 hours of community service or both for the third offense.

The ordinance was signed last year during the term of Mayor Elenita Binay in response to the overwhelming complaints received by the city hall about the disturbance caused by mobile phones during Mass, church services, film showings and plays.

Recently, Binay has also called on the mobile telecommunication companies to support the campaign against the use of mobile phones while driving motor vehicles.