Cebu City’s Proposed Amendment to Human Trafficking Ordinance Gets Support

Various groups have expressed support for a proposed amendment to the Cebu City ordinance seeking to strengthen the campaign against human trafficking.

The proposed amendments to City Ordinance 2163, or the “Cebu City Anti-Trafficking in Persons Ordinance” got the support of a prosecutor and representatives of the International Justice Mission, Fellowship for Organizing Endeavors Incorporated, and Kaabag sa Sugbo.

They were invited to a public hearing by Cebu City Councilor Lea Japson, author of the proposed ordinance particularly amending sections 11, 12, and 20 of the existing city ordinance.

The proposed amendment seeks for the cancellation of the business permit of establishments that provide adult entertainment, such as KTV Bars, videoke houses and massage parlors, among others, that employ minors.

“No new business can be opened on the same establishment within a period of one year if the nature of business on the new business is the same with that of its predecessor,” reads another amendment.

New applicants and registered owners of such businesses shall attend an orientation before acquiring a business permit.

Cebu City Prosecutor Maria Luisa Ratilla wants the proponent of the proposed measure to include in section 20 that a certification should be released if the Cebu City Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (CCIACAT) is satisfied with the performance of the applicant or owner during the orientation.

Lawyer John Tanagho, IJM-Cebu deputy field office director, said they support the amendment, saying it would strengthen the campaign against human trafficking.

“Specifically, this amendment will prevent establishments that have violated the anti-trafficking ordinance and been ordered closed from reopening under a new name within one year of being closed,” Tanagho said.

But Fellowship for Organizing Endeavors Incorporated executive director Ruth Restauro said closure of a business establishment should also be clarified whether it is because of the violation of the ordinance or due to court order. (PNA) FPV/EB/RCG