A proposed provincial ordinance will require hotels and other tourism establishments in Cebu to report guests who check in with minors in tow.
Based on the “2014 Anti-Child Sex Tourism Ordinance of the Province of Cebu”, establishments should “notify or submit a written report about their guests entering or staying with minors.”
“The rising influx of tourists in Cebu is a highly welcome and desirable economic development but sexual abuse and exploitation of children perpetrated by tourists can never be countenanced,” stated the draft ordinance authored by Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale.
The proposal came amid the number of arrests made by police in cooperation with non-government organizations (NGOs) on incidents relating to child sex trafficking and cyber pornography.
A 50-year-old Australian tourist named Peter James Robinson was arrested by police in a Cordova resort after he was seen with 11 girls and four boys whom he allegedly exploited and used to pose for lewd photos and videos.
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The proposed ordinance was included among the items to be taken up for second reading by the PB during yesterday’s regular session.
However, the proposal was deferred since Magpale had to leave to attend the Economic Enterprise Council (EEC) meeting by 4 p.m.
The proposal highlights the responsibility of tourism establishments on the campaign against child trafficking.
Hotels, resorts and inns will be asked to provide the records or footage of the closed circuit television cameras (CCTVs) inside their facilities upon the request of the Cebu provincial government if needed for investigation and prosecution.
Under the proposed ordinance, no person shall “organize, promote or conduct a sex tour or travel package involving a child” and use him or her for sex-related conduct or behavior.
It also disallows the hiring of minors to work in a tourism or commercial-related job that may lead to sex tourism or exploitation.
No person will also be allowed to ask a minor to perform lascivious or lewd shows before any electronic audio-video device for whatever purpose.
Violators will face one-year imprisonment or a fine of P5,000 aside from other penalties prescribed by other laws.
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