Cebu passes anti-child sex tourism ordinance
The Cebu Provincial Board (PB) yesterday passed on third and final reading its Anti-Child Sex Tourism Ordinance.
The ordinance imposes stiffer penalties on hotels, resorts and tourism establishments that fail to report guests who bring in minors and are potential “child sex tourists.”
Aside from the initial penalty of one-year imprisonment and a P5,000 fine on the owner, the establishment’s business permit will be revoked or canceled by the local government unit (LGU).
“Failure on the part of the establishment to perform the duties and responsibilities required this section shall be a basis for the revocation or cancellation of their business permits or licenses by the local government units where they are operating,” stated the ordinance authored by Cebu Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale.
The PB also approved on final reading Magpale’s proposed ordinance declaring every first week of October as the “Anti-Child Sex Tourism Week” to raise public awareness.
Magpale was not present during the PB’s regular session but the ordinance’s co-sponsor, PB Member Peter John Calderon, moved for its approval.
Written Report
Under the ordinance, hottels and resorts in Cebu’s component towns and cities are required to notify or submit a written report on guests checking in or staying with minors” to the Women and Children’s Protection Desks (WCPD) of the local police.
It defined a child sex tourist as a “tourist who has engaged in sexual relations with a child, whether occasional or habitual.”
The ordinance also grants law enforcement agencies access to copies of the establishment’s security camera footage when investigating a suspected child abuse or human trafficking case.
Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III asked hotels and resorts to be vigilant in monitoring guests who check in with minors.
He said they have a responsibility to protect them when they are inside their establishment’s premises.
“In a way, if they tolerate this, if they allow these foreigners bringing in minors, in a way they’re liable because the minors are under their care,” Davide said.
Related Stories:
Magpale proposes Anti-Child Sex Tourism Week
PB to finalize review of anti-child sex tour ordinance
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