Review ‘decent attire’ ordinance, Malapitan urges

MANILA, Philippines — Caloocan Mayor Oscar Malapitan has urged the city’s councilors to review a local ordinance requiring residents to be “properly and decently attired” in public spaces.

Malapitan made the request after the 2007 ordinance drew flak online from netizens who said the ordinance violated freedom of expression.

Netizens also say that City Ordinance No. 0439, or Caloocan City Dress Code in Public Places, promotes victim blaming.

“I really want the ordinance to be repealed as I stand for the right to freedom [of expression],” Malapitan said.

The ordinance, he noted, requires residents to be “decently attired” in government offices, but does not prohibit wearing of shorts. —Nikka G. Valenzuela