Cebu City passes ordinance penalizing indecent public attires

The Cebu City Council has approved a new ordinance imposing stricter regulations on public attire, penalizing individuals who appear half-naked or wear indecent clothing in public spaces, with fines reaching up to P5,000 and possible imprisonment for repeat violations.

The Public Decency and Attire Ordinance of the City of Cebu was passed on third and final reading on Nov. 26, following months of deliberations aimed at promoting what lawmakers described as a more respectful and family-friendly environment in shared public areas.

Authored by Councilor Sisinio Andales, the ordinance covers a wide range of public spaces, including streets and highways, parks, plazas, public markets, transport terminals, malls, commercial establishments, and government offices.

Under the measure, individuals found exposing their upper torso, wearing underwear, or using sheer clothing that reveals intimate body parts in public may face escalating penalties depending on the number of violations.

The ordinance adopts a progressive penalty system designed to emphasize reform and education before imposing monetary fines or harsher sanctions.

For a first offense, violators will receive a verbal warning, a written reprimand, and will be required to attend a barangay-level orientation on public decency. A second offense will require mandatory attendance at a seminar on gender sensitivity and public decorum.

Monetary penalties are imposed beginning with the third violation, which carries a fine of P1,000. A fourth and subsequent offenses will result in a P3,000 fine and referral for behavioral counseling.

Individuals who refuse to attend required seminars or counseling sessions may face administrative or criminal charges, with penalties of up to P5,000 or imprisonment of up to one year.

City officials said the ordinance balances enforcement with education, aiming to correct behavior rather than immediately punish violators.

Andales earlier noted that the measure prioritizes awareness and reform through orientations and counseling alongside administrative penalties.

The passage of the ordinance followed guidance from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), which encouraged local government units to adopt policies promoting public decency and propriety.

During an executive briefing on July 7, the DILG urged the Cebu City Council to establish local standards addressing attire in public spaces, citing concerns over decorum and shared community norms.

Despite its broad scope, the ordinance provides several exemptions. It does not apply to attire worn in private areas not visible to the public, nor does it cover clothing used during religious, cultural, or theatrical performances.

Official sports events and work-related attire are also exempt, as are cases involving medical emergencies and breastfeeding.

In addition, the ordinance excludes individuals in designated or permitted public areas such as beaches, swimming pools, and water parks, where different standards of attire are traditionally accepted.

Once enacted, the ordinance will take effect 15 days after its publication. Enforcement will be carried out by the Cebu City Police Office, the city’s Anti-Indecency Board, and deputized barangay enforcement teams.

The City Legal Office will provide support in resolving disputes and handling appeals related to violations.

City officials emphasized that the ordinance is not intended to target specific groups but to establish clear standards for acceptable public attire in areas frequented by families and the general public.

The council said enforcement would focus on consistency and proper orientation to avoid arbitrary application.

With the ordinance’s passage, Cebu City joins other local government units implementing regulations on public behavior and attire, reflecting a broader effort to codify standards of public decency while balancing individual freedoms with community norms.