IN A city known for its sun, sea and occasionally shirtless citizens, the Cebu City Council is now drawing a line — preferably one stitched onto your shirt hem.
On Tuesday, July 22, 2025, the council heard a proposed ordinance that seeks to ban public indecency and “half-nakedness” in the Queen City of the South.
Authored by Councilor Sisinio Andales, the “Public Decency and Attire Ordinance of Cebu City” aims to raise the bar on public attire standards — or at the very least, keep torsos appropriately covered.
The measure has been referred to the committee on laws, styling and ordinances for review, because even legislation needs a little style check.
According to the draft ordinance, individuals must refrain from strutting around Cebu City while “half-naked” or indecently exposed — unless, of course, they’re at beaches, pools, sporting events, or other settings where minimal clothing is socially acceptable.
In legal terms, being “half-naked” refers to bare upper torsos or outfits that are either see-through, undergarment-based, or otherwise inappropriately revealing by community standards.
These restrictions especially apply in areas where modesty is expected — such as schools, churches and government buildings.
Violators won’t be carted off to fashion jail just yet. First-time offenders will receive a verbal warning.
But repeated breaches could lead to escalating fines: P1,000 for a second offense, P3,000 on the third (which may also include community service) and P5,000 (which may also include a referral for behavioral counseling) for fourth and future offenses.
Persistent non-compliance may land you in legal hot water — with the City Legal Office (CLO) ready to press charges.
To be clear, the ordinance makes room for exceptions: private property not visible to the public, participants in religious, theatrical, artistic, or cultural performances where the attire is contextually relevant, and those experiencing medical emergencies.
Enforcement will fall to the Cebu City Police Office, the Cebu City Anti-Indecency Board and designated enforcers who may soon have the city’s dress code literally on their hands. The CLO will assist in resolving any disputes or appeals.
So, while Cebu’s heat may tempt many to bare it all, the City Council’s message is simple: cover up, unless you’re headed for the beach — or the stage. / EHP