A new ordinance has been approved by the Cebu City council banning corporal punishment on children. The ordinance written by Councilors Lea Japson, Alvin Dizon, Margarita Osmeña and John Philip Po II, aims to promote positive and non-violent ways of disciplining children. If Mayor Mike Rama signs the ordinance into, actions like slapping a child in the buttocks, beating them with a cane or shoe, or making children kneel on salt or mung beans could lead to a 5,000 peso fine or a jail term not more than 6 months or both. The ordinance covers parents, guardians, and teachers.
Parents or teachers who are used to disciplining children by pinching ears or by verbally abusing them cannot do it in Cebu City anymore. Councilor Jose Daluz III wanted parents to be exempted from the ordinance but his objection did not prevent the majority from passing the said ordinance. It is now up to the mayor if he will adopt the measure.
Related articles
- Cebu City outlaws corporal punishment of children (newsinfo.inquirer.net)
- Vote on spanking ordinance deferred again (newsinfo.inquirer.net)
- Corporal punishment around the world (jaspercardenas1.typepad.com)
- ‘Corporal punishment forcing students to commit suicide’ (dawn.com)
- Corporal punishment ordinance approved (Freeman)
- Fine of P5,000 for hitting a child (Sunstar)
