‘No bad words’ measure mulled in Baguio

BAGUIO CITY—It’s time for a war on profanity.

President Duterte may unleash a bad word or two in front of the news cameras, but a measure pending in the city council here would make sure Baguio children won’t unleash the same cuss words in schools or public places.

“We mean no offense to the President,” said Councilor Lilia Fariñas, who sponsored the measure. “But we have to let our children know that even if Mr. Duterte does not or cannot … hold his tongue, that is his prerogative as President. But it does not make cursing okay, particularly for children,” she said.

The proposed ordinance seeks to ban “all manner of cursing, cussing, expressing insults, whether directly or indirectly to anyone or anybody, or using profane and foul language, as a means of expression, or as a manifestation of anger, surprise, disgust or any other form of extreme emotion that yields to such expressions of profanity.”

The measure would cover all schools and business establishments and places frequented by students.

It also seeks to require schools to incorporate a program that would penalize children caught cussing on campus.

It is not clear how many councilors would support the measure. Some students said the proposed ordinance may violate their right to free speech.

But Fariñas said: “As a woman, a mother and a grandmother, I wouldn’t want to see my children and grandchildren [express their feelings] through profanity. I don’t want it to be a reflection [as to how I] raised them.” —VINCENT CABREZA