Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale
Cebu Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale expressed worry that staging a “shame campaign” against cyberpornography operations in Cordova town without solid proof would backfire.
Asked about the proposal of Provincial Board Member Arleigh Sitoy to post signs identifying houses of suspected cyberporn players, Magpale said she has reservations about the plan.
“I’m not sure if that is a good move. First, human rights advocates might react to that,” she said.
“We do not have proof that these residents are engaging in cybersex, just reports except those cases in the past where we held raids. That happened because of surveillance and evidence,” Magpale added.
In the 1990s, Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim spray-painted houses of suspected drug pushers but his “shame” tactics were declared unconstitutional by the Court of Appeals for violation of due process, the presumption of innocence and the equal protection clause.
However, Magpale said Sitoy’s proposed provincial ordinance on penalizing money transfer shops that do cash transactions with cybersex operators has her full support.
The proposed ordinance is set to be approved on second reading after undergoing two more public hearings.
Magpale said Capitol officials already talked to the owners of money transfer outlets in Cordova town and instructed them to report “suspicious” transactions.
“We are not giving up on other means. It’s a good thing now that the local government units involved are now recognizing the problem instead of denying its existence,” she said.
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