Ban on sin product ads sought

Out of sight, out of mind?

Manila’s “university belt” councilor is seeking a ban on “sin product” advertisements around schools to keep students from getting distracted by them.

In a draft ordinance filed with the city council last week, fourth district councilor DJ Bagatsing called for a prohibition against placing advertisements for sin products within 500-meters from any learning institution in the city.

Sin products, according to Bagatsing, include alcoholic drinks; tobacco products and smoking paraphernalia; guns, gun accessories and establishments that repair or sell them; and motels and other establishments offering “short-time” lodging less than 24 hours.

“These unnecessarily distract or divert the focus of the city’s students away from their schoolwork. This is still prevalent today, especially in the University Belt and España in [my district] Sampaloc,” the councilor said.

Should the ordinance become legislation, violators can face at least six months jail time, a fine of P5,000, and cancellation of business permits.

The city of Department of Public Service will also be empowered to remove without notice sin product advertisements breaching the 500-meter delineation from schools.