Include ex-convicts in ordinance – Soc

CEBU, Philippines - The Talisay City Council has deferred the approval of the proposed anti-discrimination ordinance after a councilor wants to include ex-convicts as beneficiaries of the measure.

The proposed ordinance in Talisay, authored by Vice Mayor Alan Bucao, was "laid on the table" yesterday after former Talisay City mayor, now Councilor Socrates Fernandez suggested to include ex-convicts as among the subjects of the proposed measure.

If approved, the ordinance would be the third anti-discrimination law to be implemented by a local government in Cebu after Cebu City enacted its own last July and Mandaue City last year.

The proposed ordinance seeks to prohibit discrimination on the basis of social status, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnic origin, religious affiliation, physical handicap, age and gender.

Fernandez said former prisoners who want to return to the fold, especially in applying for work, should also be taken into consideration.

"Duna man sa'y laudable nga suggestion si kanhi Mayor Soc Fernandez. Kung unsa'y buhaton sa mga napriso, kining mga former nga convicts unya karon nakahuman serbisyo sa ilang sala, makabalik sa society," Bucao said.

Bucao agreed with Fernandez' suggestion but admitted that the proposed resolution was based on the national law which does not include ex-convicts.

"Pero nindot kaayo to ang gisulti ni Mayor Soc, mao to niingon ko isip author, akong gi-lay on the table ang ordinansahon kay istoryahan nato," he added.

But Bucao clarified that if the suggestion will be incorporated into the ordinance, they will not strictly implement the ordinance on Talisay establishments since businesses have the right to choose their workers based on certain qualifications.

"So dili gyud nato i-discount ang possibility nga kung ato unya na himoon nga regulasyon sa dakbayan sa Talisay nga himoon nato nga very strict gyud, very rigid nga i-implement. Di siguro. Ato lang siguro i-take into consideration, pero dili ingon nga ato gyud gapuson ang ato mga negosyante," he said. (FREEMAN)