PB fails to fuse lingam proposals

THE ordinances proposed by two Provincial Board (PB) members on the controversial lingam massage service cannot be consolidated, because they call for different provisions.

This, again, required a lengthy discussion at the regular session of the PB yesterday.

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PB Member Agnes Magpale wants a total ban on lingam massage, while PB Member Arleigh Sitoy wants it regulated.

Magpale’s draft ordinance will be scheduled for public hearing.

Sitoy’s proposal, which seeks to require prescriptions before clients can avail of lingam massage, was referred to four committees. These committees are on health, tourism, human rights and, as lead committee, laws and ordinances.

Magpale’s ordinance was referred to the committees on laws and ordinances, human rights and health.

Some spa operators have said lingam has a therapeutic effect on men, especially those with prostate problems.

PB Member Ribomapil Holganza Jr., chairman of the committee on human rights, wants to determine if there are rights that will be violated by a ban.

On the aspect of tourism, it was earlier reported that one of the attractions offered to foreign tourists in Cebu is a stop at lingam massage parlors.

Majority floor leader Peter John Calderon was still trying to move for the approval of the minutes of the session last week when Sitoy asked yesterday why his proposed ordinance was not referred to a committee.

Assistant majority floor leader Joven Mondigo Jr. said the ordinance was inadvertently not referred to a committee because of the lengthy discussion last week.

Sitoy then asked that the minutes of the session last week be amended to have his ordinance referred but Calderon said that doing so would defy the house rules.

Vice Gov. Gregorio Sanchez Jr. intervened, saying he already moved during the last session that it be scheduled for second reading.

The minutes did not say this, only that it was passed on first reading.

A recess finally resolved the problem, with Sitoy conceding that he moved for the referral after the minuted has been passed.

It was then proposed that the two ordinances be consolidated, but Magpale said that it is not possible.

“I don’t think consolidation is possible, they are totally separate; one calls for total ban while one is for regulation,” said Magpale.

But if Sitoy wants discussion on the matter, Magpale said she has prepared a list of doctors willing to face the board to shed light on the advantages and disadvantages of lingam massage.

Magpale said Sitoy can also invite whomever he wants to, in order to discuss lingam. (JGA)