Cebu Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale is proposing the passage of a provincial ordinance that will raise public awareness on the dangers of child sex tourism.
Her proposal to designate the first week of October as “Anti-Child Sex Tourism Week” is set for the first reading in today’s Provincial Board session.
Magpale, who heads the Provincial Women’s Commission (PWC), said recent trafficking cases in the province like the arrest of 50-year-old Australian tourist Peter James Robinson in a Cordova resort underscores the need for this ordinance.
Robinson was charged with child pornography and trafficking last week afterhe was arrested in the company of 11 girls and four boys whom he invited to a Cordova town beach resort.
“We may organize events that will teach our parents that not all tourists bring with them good intentions. Some of them also want to exploit,” Magpale said in a phone interview.
“Partly, (the problem) is due to colonial mentality and the way we look at white-skinned foreigners. Hopefully, we can address these issues with the legislation,” she added.
Magpale said she will call a public hearing and invite other organizations involved in fighting cyberpornography and child sex tourism for activities during the week.