Cebu City moves closer to prohibiting half-naked, indecent attire in public places

Local

CEBU City is moving to tighten rules on what people can wear in shared spaces.

This was after the City Council gave final approval to a new public decency ordinance aimed at curbing half-naked or indecent attire in places accessible to the public.

The measure, formally titled the “Public Decency and Attire Ordinance of the City of Cebu,” secured its third and final reading on Nov. 25, clearing the way for full implementation once published.

Authored by Councilor Sisinio Andales, the ordinance introduces penalties ranging from verbal warnings to fines and mandatory seminars for individuals found violating decency standards in public areas.

Andales explained that the move stemmed from a request of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). The agency, in an executive briefing last July 7, asked city lawmakers to adopt a policy that would promote propriety, safety, and respect in public spaces.

According to Andales, the measure is designed not only to deter inappropriate conduct but to “educate and reform” offenders through orientations, seminars, and counseling.

He also emphasized that penalties should carry “both administrative and behavioral guidance.”

The ordinance covers public spaces and publicly accessible venues, including streets, highways, and sidewalks; public parks and plazas; markets and terminals; malls and commercial establishments; as well as government offices and service centers.

It prohibits appearing half-naked, wearing underwear in public, or using sheer or see-through clothing that exposes intimate areas.

Violators will face the following consequences:

First offense: verbal warning, written reprimand, and mandatory orientation in the barangay where the incident occurred

Second offense: compulsory attendance in a public decency and gender sensitivity seminar

Third offense: P1,000 fine

Fourth and succeeding offenses: P3,000 fine and referral for behavioral counseling

Those who refuse to undergo the required seminars or counseling may be subject to administrative or criminal charges, carrying penalties of up to P5,000 or one-year imprisonment.

However, several contexts are exempt from the ordinance, including attire worn inside private spaces not visible to the public; religious, cultural, theatrical, or artistic performances; sports events and work-related uniforms; medical emergencies; breastfeeding mothers; and individuals in designated recreational areas such as beaches and swimming pools.

The exemptions, city officials said, aim to ensure that the law addresses inappropriate exposure without restricting legitimate activities or infringing on cultural practices.

Implementation will be handled by the Cebu City Police Office, the City Anti-Indecency Board, and deputized barangay enforcement teams. The City Legal Office will assist in resolving disputes, filing charges, and handling appeals.(TGP)