MALACAÑANG on Thursday, November 8, believed it was unnecessary to prohibit profane language in Baguio City, noting that uttering expletives is "part of freedom of speech."
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said there was nothing wrong with cursing, as long as the person who is the "subject of [anyone's] curse" is unharmed.
He said it could not be denied that everyone says bad words, especially when a person is "angry."
"I will not oppose that kind of prohibition in school. But you know, profane words are uttered in a moment of anger. So all of us do it. I don't think I have not heard of anyone not cursing when one is angry," the Palace official said.
"Even cursing is part of freedom of speech. For as long as you do not injure the person [who] is the subject of your curse, if it is just an expression, I don't think it should be prohibited," he added.
An Anti-Profanity Ordinance has been approved by Baguio City council, prohibiting expression of foul words in institutions frequented by minors and students in the city such as schools, computer shops, arcades, and other business establishments.
Under the ordinance authored by Baguio Councilor Lilia Fariña, profanity is defined as "blasphemous or obscene language; vulgar or irreverent speech or action; expletive, oath, swearing, cursing, or obscene expression usually of surprise or anger."
The ordinance was passed under the watch of President Rodrigo Duterte, who constantly delivers impromptu speeches peppered with expletives.
Asked if Baguio City's ordinance curtails freedom of expression, Panelo said, "Yeah, definitely. It may not pass the constitutional test when it is raised before the courts." (SunStar Philippines)