Palace: Anti-profanity ordinance in Baguio violates freedom of speech

Presidential Spokersperson Salvador Panelo. INQUIRER PHOTO/JOAN BONDOC

Malacañang is against the anti-profanity ordinance in Baguio City, saying that cursing is part of freedom of speech.

“It’s just an expression, I don’t think it is—or it should be prohibited,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a Palace briefing on Thursday.

He said cursing is part of freedom of speech.

“I think even cursing is part of freedom of speech. For as long as you do not injure the person, that is the subject of your curse,” Panelo said.

“But you know profane words are uttered in a moment of anger – so all of us does it. I don’t think I have not heard of anyone not cursing when one is angry,” he added.

Baguio City Mauricio Domogan had approved the ordinance authored by Councilor Lilia Fariña banning the cursing and expressing insults using indecent and profound languages in schools, computer shops, arcades, and other business establishments frequented by children, high school, and college students in Baguio.

Panelo said the new ordinance may not pass the “constitutional test” when questioned before the court.

“Definitely, it may not pass the constitutional test when it is raised before the courts,” he said. /je