Narra councilor seeks ban vs. shirtlessness in public places

A proposed ordinance prohibiting residents without upper or lower garments and roaming around in public places in Narra has been passed in the recent session of Narra Sangguniang Bayan Council.

Municipal legislator and author of the ordinance Francisco Atchera Jr. said the measure aims to promote decency and order as well as to prevent potential harrassment they may occur in the town, given that a number of complaints from young women had been circulating in the municipality for a time now.

“Unang-una, maraming mga kababalaghan ang nangyayari. ‘Yung mga rape, mga ganung bagay. Kaya gusto ko ma-personalized din ‘yung mga tao na maturuan sila ng proper wearing of clothes,” Atchera said.

Under the measure, no individual, while outside of his/her residence, shall roam around wearing clothes covering only the uppermost or lowermost portion of his/her body.

Atchera said that the ordinance is especially targets drivers and even “estebadors” in the public market who are commonly seen shirtless or topless.

“Siyempre kapag nakahubad ‘yung lalaki parang nahihiyang tumingin ‘yung mga babae, parang nababastusan ba,” he explained.

“Kahit sa public place kasi like sa palengke, ‘yung mga driver, ‘yung mga matador ng karne, bawal ‘yun. Kailangan may proper clothes din sila na isinusuot. Hindi ‘yung walang t-shirt at naka-apron lang,” Atchera said.

Excempted from the proposed measure are mentally incapacitated persons, which might still be apprehended depending the circumstances and be given proper assistance and consideration.

Under the proposed measure, violators shall be fined with:

1st offense: P1,000 with three days of community service 2nd offense: P1,500 with five days of community service 3rd offense: P3,000 or imprisonment of six months at the discretion of court 4th and subsequent offense: P5,000 or imprisonment of one year at the discretion of court.

Atchera further said that propriety dictates social behaviour and at all times must be acceptable and proper.

The proposed ordinance is set to be formally tackled for first reading in the next sessions of the Narra legislative council.