South Cotabato proposed law bans minors in benefit dance, bikini open

KORONADAL CITY -- Minors joining benefit dance, bikini open and disco events will be strictly banned in the province once a proposed ordinance becomes a law, a provincial board member said.Under Sec. 5 (d) of the proposed South Cotabato Children's Welfare Code, minors are prohibited from joining or participating in benefit dance, foam party, bikini open or benefit show that tends to exploit children even if the event is for the barangay, municipal or city show.Minors are defined as those below 18 years of age.During a public hearing of the proposed ordinance, various reactions were raised on the specifics of the draft law. Among them was whether the law covers school related eventsthat show talents of children and minors.Provincial Board member Ellen Grace Subere-Albios, chairperson of the committee ono women, children and family relations, said the proposed ordinance was based on Children's Code aimed at promoting the welfare of children from abusive and exploitative benefit dance.Specifically, Albios said it would be considered exploitation for a minor girl to stand in the middle of the benefit dance where payment is required to dance with her as a form of fund raising.As proposed, penalties include P1,000 for first offense, P2,000 second offense and P5,000 for third offense.A government official found violating the ordinance faces criminal and administrative charges.