MANILA, Jan. 31 (Xinhua) -- The city council of Quezon City in the Philippine capital of Manila has passed an ordinance banning residents from roaming naked in public places.
The ordinance, authored by Councilor Ranulfo Ludovica, is anchored on "propriety and social behaves that must be acceptable and morally correct and proper."
"There are people oblivious to the senses, feelings, and emotions of others who are displaying, walking or roaming around in public places topless, bottomless or completely naked. Naked persons in public places erode decency, exacerbates disorder, and setting a bad example to children," it read.
The ordinance will impose a fine of 1,000 pesos (roughly 19 U.S. dollars) or a three-day community service in the village for the first-time offender, 1,500 pesos (29 U.S. dollars) or five-day community service for the second-time offender and 3,000 pesos (58 U.S. dollars) or a six-month imprisonment for the third-time offender.
Those who will be caught breaking the law for fourth and subsequent times, the ordinance says offenders will be "apprehended" and fined 5,000 pesos (97 U.S. dollars).
The ordinance says that mentally ill people caught violating the ordinance will be apprehended but will not be forced to pay the penalties.
With 2.7 million residents, Quezon City is the most populous city in the Philippines and is also the largest city in terms of area.
