BAGUIO City Vice Mayor Edison Bilog is urging complainants alleging racism to face the City Council for assistance.
“Kapag siya ay lumabas, ma-address natin ang problema at ma-confirm natin na mayroong nangyayari na ganito sa siyudad,” Bilog told Sun.Star Baguio.
Bilog said the surfacing of victims who allege discrimination will help the council craft more laws to protect their rights.
The vice mayor said the anti discrimination ordinance which is on its way to second reading covers the rights of everyone and encompasses race, religion and gender.
“We hope to pass this soon in the council,” added Bilog.
Bilog said the ordinance is now with the Councilor Faustino Olowan, who chairs the Committee on Human Rights and is awaiting his endorsement and report.
“I have talked with Couniclor Olowan about the incidents of discrimination and asked he present his report at the council so we can pass the ordinance on second reading,” Bilog said.
Months ago, Jacob Sneed, a 27-year old Black American from Seattle cried foul over allegations of racism and discrimination against three establishments in the City.
Sneed come into the open against the management of Zola Cafe, The Ampersand and newly opened bar and restaurant Dropout from repeated incidents denying him entry which he claims is based on his race.
However, the management of the three establishments have alleged previous incidents which prompted them to deny Sneed entry.
Bilog said if complainants surface and face the local council, an invitation can likewise be made to invite bar owners to shed some light into the issue.