Metrobriefs

Complaint vs nude shows leads to Manila bar raid

An anonymous text message to the Manila police from a concerned citizen complaining about the live nude shows taking place at a restaurant-bar in Sta. Cruz led to the arrest of a dozen female dancers and six employees of the establishment early Thursday morning. The message, which reported the alleged prostitution inside Bahay Kubo on Recto Avenue, was sent to an officer of the Manila Police District’s Plaza Miranda precinct on Dec. 10, according to the precinct commander Insp. Rommel Anicete. The arrests were made after photographic evidence was taken of the shows and the dancers and the staff members failed to produce work permits. Anicete, who took the photos himself, said the dancers would be charged with violation of  Article 201 of the Revised Penal Code for the indecent shows and, together with the employees, also for working without permits. He also noted that the bar itself, which occupies the mezzanine of a building and whose entrance is almost hidden from view by the facade of another bar, had no business permit on display. The MPD on Friday was still looking for Bahay Kubo’s owner, who was identified by the employees only as “tatay.”  Anicete said Supt. Aldrine Gran, chief of MPD’s Central Market-Sta. Cruz station, would seek the permanent closure of the establishment. Annelle Tayao-Juego

Single parents to get weeklong perks in QC

Single moms and dads in Quezon City will soon have a special week every April. Mayor Herbert Bautista recently approved an ordinance declaring every third week of April as the “Solo Parents Week of Quezon City.” During this week, single parents can avail themselves of  livelihood and skills development seminars, free health services, psychological counseling, legal consultations and notarial services. The seminars are courtesy of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda), in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) which will also extend self-employment assistance. The health services include consultation and treatment for ordinary ailments like fever and cough, child immunization, and dental services. “Single parents may be in need of additional benefits, livelihood, self-employment and skills development, employment-related benefits, psychosocial, educational, health and even housing services,” according to the ordinance authored by Councilor Raquel Malangen. The measure was approved by the city council on third reading on Oct. 27 and signed into law by the mayor on Nov. 28. Rima Granali