Valenzuela mulls law vs wearing skimpy clothes, sexy dancing by kids in shows

MANILA, Philippines–Making children wear and dance suggestively in public shows and contests, and keeping them on the streets after curfew because of such events may get show organizers jailed and fined in Valenzuela City soon.

Proposed Ordinance No. 2014-060, or the “Children in Public Shows Ordinance,” which was filed last March 14, has been referred to the Valenzuela City Council’s committee on youth and sports, after being subjected to a public hearing last July. The draft ordinance seeks to ban the wearing of age-inappropriate clothing by children; singing of “indecent” songs and performing sexy or sensual acts; becoming objects of ridicule, and endangering the safety of any person below 18, or above 18 but are physically and/or mentally challenged, during public shows.  It also prohibits making children participate in such shows from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.

The proposed ordinance also defined a public show as a “program or activity held in public” such as “pageants, dance contests, [fiestas], and singing competitions.” Those organized by schools and religious groups, however, are exempted from the prohibitions of the draft ordinance.

Also, the draft local law mandates organizers to secure a barangay permit and the consent of the child’s parent or guardian before holding a public show involving kids.  Organizers should also orient the child and the parents about the nature of the show.

The proposed ordinance’s author, Councilor Corazon Cortez, said she has witnessed many incidents wherein girls had a wardrobe malfunction during a dance show, local fiestas and events, spurring her to file the ordinance to protect their welfare in public shows.

The 73-year-old Cortez, a grandmother herself, said she could not stand to see children, especially girls, do uncomfortable, sexually suggestive acts in public. “I don’t want my grandchildren to be exploited, just for these people to gain something,” she said.

She expects to have the full support of her fellow councilors in passing her proposed ordinance.  She said the draft law has been met with enthusiasm by people, especially parents and teachers, during consultations and public hearing.

If passed, the proposed ordinance would jail erring organizers from one to six months and fine them P1,000 to P5,000. Corporations involved in such events may also find their business and other permits revoked.

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