Going ‘topless, half-naked’ can get you in trouble in Pinamungajan

Local

GOING topless or half-naked in public places in Pinamungajan town, Cebu is now an offense.

This comes after the Sangguniang Bayan (SB) recently approved Ordinance No. 046-2026, or the Anti-Topless or Half-Naked in Public Ordinance.

Authored by Councilors Marvin Miralles and Julius Erwin Alpas, the ordinance defines a topless person as someone who appears in public places without any upper garment or clothing covering the chest or torso.

A half-naked person, refers to someone who wears clothing that is "grossly inadequate to cover the body in a manner generally accepted by community standards of decency."

Under the local law, it is prohibited for any person to roam, stay, loiter, or appear topless or half-naked in any public place, including offices, schools, public markets, barangay halls, streets, sidewalks, public transportation terminals, and similar public areas.

It is also unlawful for a person to cause public disturbance or alarm by appearing in a manner contrary to public decency and order.

The ordinance provides several exemptions, including athletes and participants in sporting events such as boxing matches, martial arts competitions, bodybuilding competitions, and similar activities; individuals participating in cultural presentations, pageants, theatrical productions, festivals, indigenous activities, religious performances, or artistic events; and those undergoing medical emergencies, calamities, accidents, or other similar situations.

Also exempted are workers and laborers, including construction workers, fishermen, farmers, and others whose occupations reasonably require minimal upper-body clothing during working hours.

Another exemption covers individuals in designated swimming pools, beach resorts, coastal areas, and similar recreational facilities, as well as minors 7-years old and below.

The measure also allows for other lawful exceptions authorized by the municipal mayor or permitted under existing laws, customs, and recognized practices.

Those found guilty of violating the ordinance will be fined P500 for first offense, P1,000 for second offense, and P2,500 for third and succeeding offenses.(MyTVCebu)