Cebu City law that seeks to protect resto workers from harassment eyed

Local

A MOVE that is an offshoot of the controversial confrontation between a Cebu-based personality and a restaurant worker, a Cebu City lawmaker has introduced a proposed ordinance aimed at protecting service crew members from harassment, unreasonable demands, and discrimination.

Councilor Jose Lorenzo Abellanosa authored the "Service Crew Protection Ordinance of Cebu City," which was presented during a council session last week. The ordinance targets service crew members in Cebu’s food, beverage, retail, and hospitality industries.

The proposal is now under review by the Committee on Laws and the Committee on Labor, Employment, Cooperative, and Livelihood, with public hearings expected before it advances to the second and third readings for final approval.

Abellanosa argued that the common phrase "the customer is always right" has its limits, stressing that it should not justify mistreatment of employees.

He highlighted the need for customers to respect the dignity of service workers and to avoid behaviors that harass, intimidate, or humiliate them.

Under the proposed ordinance, actions such as shouting at service crew members, making unreasonable demands, and creating hostile work environments will be considered punishable offenses.

Other prohibited behaviors include filing unjustified complaints, harassment, and publicly humiliating employees.

The ordinance also bans discrimination based on race, ethnicity, skin color, gender, language, or social standing.

Additionally, taking photos or videos of service crew members without their consent, unless done for legitimate concerns about the establishment’s services, will be prohibited. Such acts would be considered attempts to intimidate or humiliate the employee.

If enacted, the ordinance will impose fines and jail time for violators. First-time offenders will face a P1,000 fine or up to one month in jail, or both, at the court’s discretion.

A second violation will result in a P3,000 fine or up to six months in jail, while a third offense will incur a P5,000 fine or up to one year in jail.

The ordinance also holds establishment owners accountable for supporting service crew members. Owners who fail to defend their employees from abusive customers will face fines ranging from P1,000 to P5,000, depending on the offense.

The ordinance was prompted by recent incidents, including a viral case involving local personality Jude Bacalso.

In July, Bacalso allegedly humiliated a male waiter at a Cebu City restaurant by forcing him to stand in a "parade rest" position for nearly two hours after addressing him as “sir.”

The incident, which was caught on video, sparked outrage and calls for stronger protection for service workers.

Abellanosa emphasized that service crew members are vital to Cebu City’s economy, particularly in tourism and retail. He believes the ordinance will help ensure a safer work environment for these employees by preventing abusive customer behavior.

The proposal will continue through the legislative process before being up for final approval.(MyTVCebu)