ORGANIZERS of bikini shows in Bantayan Island, Cebu have voiced their concern over the strict prohibition of such events, saying their sponsors might sue them for breach of contract.
Elton Tio, one of the shows’ organizers in the island, met with Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia late Tuesday afternoon and relayed that sponsors of bikini shows threatened to sue them if they cannot proceed with the events—some of them scheduled this week.
Also, Tio reportedly talked to Garcia about the executive order the governor signed, particularly on the appropriate attire for women joining the contests.
In explaining her action against the bikini contests that tend to “humiliate and abuse” women, the governor cited the general welfare clause of the Local Government Code. This includes taking the lead in upholding public morals.
Exposure
“When it comes to shows that expose almost naked women, especially during Holy Week, you don’t need an Einstein to tell you that it goes beyond the parameters of what is morally acceptable,” Garcia told reporters.
She said she intends to pursue the “drive against all obscenity, vulgarity, lewdness and desecration of women,” describing bikini shows during Holy Week as “paganistic rituals.”
The governor signed last Tuesday an executive order strictly prohibiting bikini contests in the Province.
Garcia also directed all municipal mayors to strictly observe and implement the provisions of the Women Development Code of Cebu.
Chapter 3, Article 1, Section 5 of the code states that “beauty contests which tend to commodify, abuse, humiliate and treat women as *** objects shall be strictly prohibited in schools, communities and barangays.”
More than 20 priests from various parishes in Cebu have sought help from Garcia and the Cebu Provincial Board to ban bikini shows, particularly in Bantayan during Holy Week.
She said she learned of the priests’ appeal when she attended the burial of former Bantayan town mayor Remedios Escario last week.
A priest approached her and inquired about updates on their letter. Garcia said she was glad the priests wrote her about their suggestions.
After their meeting, Garcia said Tio promised to cooperate with the Provincial Government.
Sponsors
Bikini contests have been staged for the past four years in Bantayan.
When Tio told the governor about the threat of a suit by events’ sponsors, Garcia told the former she would be glad to talk to the shows’ sponsors to explain her points.
“They (sponsors) may also be liable because companies that are responsible for violating the provisions of the Provincial Women’s Code may face sanctions as well,” said Garcia.
She said the event organizers vowed to change the “format” of their shows and assured that only a “fashion show” will be staged.
Also, they assured that models will be “adequately covered” to make them appear “totally presentable.”
Garcia renewed her warning to the events’ organizers. Instead of staging lewd shows, Garcia said it will be better for the organizers to be “more on the conservative side” since police authorities and deputized monitoring groups are on the lookout for obscene shows.
Garcia said she will welcome anybody who wishes to seek clarification “for them to understand the direction of the undertaking and realize that there are no ifs or buts.”
The governor pointed out that more government units are focusing now on cultural presentations rather than bikini contests.
Garcia said she will appreciate more if the presentation will focus on Cebuano or Filipino culture.
In 2007, Garcia walked out of a show in Boljoon town, southern Cebu after seeing women onstage wearing skimpy attire.
“This time I am taking an even stronger hand. I’m spelling it out. Read my lips,” said Garcia. (GMD)
Bikini open people worry about suits | Sun.Star Network Online
Bawal na ang Bikini Open, unsa inyo ma sulti?
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