City yet to approve reopening of former bikini bar

CEBU, Philippines - A bikini bar in uptown Cebu City that was closed down for trafficking offenses wants to reopen but the city government believes the request may need to be thought of carefully.

Councilor Lea Japson, vice chairperson of the Cebu City Inter-Agency Council against Trafficking of Persons (CCIACAT), said the group will hold a special meeting to discuss the request of the former Red Lips Bikini Bar in General Maxilom Avenue.

Japson said the bar reportedly wants to reopen as a KTV bar and will be named Mango Bar and Restaurant.

Lawyers of the bar’s owner sent a formal letter - request to the city government.

“We write in behalf of our client, Mr. Ronald Manolong. With this letter we hereby wish to submit a request for opening a new business under the name “Mango Bar and Restaurant,” owned by Mr. Ronald D. Manolong with business address at MANROSE PLAZA BLDG., GEN. MAXILOM AVE., CEBU CITY,” the letter reads.

The letter dated March 3 was signed by lawyers Hazan Bargamento and Ophie Ester Bragat, a copy of which was furnished to CCIACAT.

Japson said the owner explained that Mango Bar and Restaurant will be different from Red Lips Bikini Bar.

“Unya niingon siya nga dili the same business kuno, nya the same ra man gihapon kay more or less KTV bar man niya… unsa man gyud inyong business? Wa man gi-release ngadto ilang permit kay kinahanglan man moagi sa CCIACAT kay gi-ammend man nato ang atong ordinance nga kinahanglan katong new business, mo go og seminar sa CCIACAT,” Japson said.

“Kadto tua siya, niari diri kay labi na na-close to nya niadto siya sa city legal… niingon ang legal nga iari sa CCIACAT so ako siya giingnan nga mag-meeting mi sa CCIACAT sa iyahang concern kay the same man gyud nga lugar iyang ablihan,” Japson added.

Red Lips Bikini Bar was closed last November 18, 2015 for qualified trafficking.

“Gi-close nya naay mo-open lain pero bar KTV something nya nangayo diri og clearance… wala pay one year; murag November man guro to na-close namo,” Japson said.

CCIACAT is mandated to monitor and document cases of trafficking in persons within the city and its linkages.

Japson said the special meeting will take place next week. (FREEMAN)