|
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
Charges mulled v. bikini contest
By Aurea A. Gerundio
DAVAO City Councilor Angela Librado-Trinidad said Tuesday that City Hall's Integrated Gender and Development Division (IGDD) intends to sue the organizers of a bikini contest held two weeks ago at the Matina Town Square for violating the city's Women Development Code (WDC).
Trinidad refused to reveal the names of the organizers but hinted the involvement of big companies.
Trinidad said the bikini contest is reportedly a fund-raising event and promoted an alcoholic product of a beverage company that was among the event's sponsors.
"The organizers were using young women to raise funds and sell a product. By doing so, they committed a direct violation of the Women Development Code of Davao City," Trinidad said.
Trinidad said the organizers did not heed the warning of the Davao City Committee on Women, Children and Family Relations to refrain from holding the event citing the violation they would be committing against the city's WDC.
"Despite our warnings, the organizers pushed through with the bikini event. The Business Bureau did not even give them permit to show. The organizers reportedly tried to modify the contestants' attire and change the mode of the show. But, the fact still remains that the women contestants were still commodified in that event. They were treated and seen as sex objects for the pleasure of its largely male audience. The IGDD has, in fact, taken footage of the event," Trinidad said.
Trinidad said violators of the code shall pay a fine of P5,000 or imprisonment of six months or both at the discretion of the court.
"The practice of these bikini events showcasing barely-clothed women, reducing them into mere sex objects rather than persons with dignity, is a direct affront to women's rights and dignity," Trinidad said.
For Bisaya stories from Davao. Click here. (June 22, 2005 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board.Click here. |
|
[return to top]
[home]
[network page]
|
LOCAL NEWS
BUSINESS
OPINION
SPORTS
LIFESTYLE
FEATURE
SUPERBALITA
WEEKEND
|
