Cebu City Councilor James Cuenco called for an end to prostitution and drug trafficking in barangay Kamagayan, saying the city government cannot “turn a blind eye” to it while promoting Cebu’s image as a livable city.”
In a privilege speech, Cuenco called for a joint PNP and military checkpoint in Kamagayan, whose reputation as a red-light district and “capital of Nubain in the Visayas” he said was regrettable in in view of the historical and tourism value of downtown Cebu City.
He also appealed for closed circuit camera TVs and more street lights in the area to curb crime there.
“A city that prides itself for its cultural heritage and religious monuments on one hand, cannot on the other hand, go on turning a blind eye towards promiscuity and widespread drug abuse that are in our midst. It is hypocritical and two-faced of a city that promotes itself as the “most livable city,” said Cuenco, who heads the council committee on tourism.
Cuenco said the city’s traffic department should also coordinate with the Department of Tourism (DOT) to give taxi drivers tour orientation and mandatory seminars on traffic rules.
“I guarantee that the derivatives of a good image will improve Kamagayan’s income potential and its tourism value,” he said.
Rampant
“There is no room for commercial sex tourism. In efforts to become the face of Philippine tourism, let us make all things safe for our tourists visiting uptown, midtown and downtown Cebu,” Cuenco added.
Councilor Alvin Dizon expressed reservations on Cuenco’s proposals, saying prostitution needs more concrete solutions like access to alternative livelihood.
He said drugs and prostitution was also rampant in other city barangays.
“But we have to start somewhere and the best way of doing housekeeping is to start with the area where it started,” Cuenco replied.
Councilor Hans Abella said a joint PNP and military checkpoint in Kamagayan may create the wrong impression that Kamagayan is a war zone.
Reputable
Abella said the checkpoint should instead be maintained by the PNP and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).
“We will include the military to instill fear in criminals. The presence of the PNP doesn’t seem to scare them anymore,” Cuenco replied.
Councilor Sisinio Andales also commented that it may be inappropriate to name barangay Kamagayan in Cuenco’s speech because the barangay also has some reputable families dwelling in it.
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