Cebu City has officially approved a new law setting stricter standards for what people can wear in public spaces. The goal is to foster a more respectful and family-oriented atmosphere throughout the city.
What the New Ordinance Covers
The Public Decency and Attire Ordinance of the City of Cebu successfully passed its third and final reading at the City Council on November 26, 2025. Councilor Sisinio Andales, who authored the measure, stated that it targets individuals who appear half-naked or indecently dressed in public.
The law applies to a wide range of areas, including public parks, streets, highways, plazas, markets, public terminals, malls, various establishments, and government offices. Specific violations include being bare-chested, wearing only underwear in public, or putting on transparent clothing that reveals intimate parts of the body.
Penalties and Educational Approach
The penalties for violating the ordinance are designed to be corrective and educational. They escalate with each repeated offense.
- First offense: A verbal warning, mandatory orientation at the local barangay hall, and a written reprimand.
- Second offense: Required attendance in a gender sensitivity and public decency seminar.
- Third offense: A fine of P1,000.
- Fourth and subsequent offenses: A fine of P3,000 along with a referral for behavioral counseling.
Refusing to take part in the mandated seminars or counseling can lead to more serious consequences. The city may file administrative or criminal charges, which could result in a maximum penalty of P5,000 or one year of imprisonment.
Key Exemptions and Enforcement
The ordinance includes several important exemptions to ensure it is not overly restrictive. The rules do not apply to private areas out of public view, religious or cultural performances, official sports events, work uniforms, medical emergencies, breastfeeding mothers, and people in designated areas like beaches and swimming pools.
Councilor Andales explained that the initiative came from a request by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) during an executive briefing on July 7, 2025. Enforcement will be handled by the Cebu City Police Office, the Anti-Indecency Board, and deputized barangay teams, with legal support from the City Legal Office for any disputes. The new law will take effect 15 days after its publication in a local newspaper.
