Bikini open, loud music near town church to be prohibited during Holy Week

LOCAL and foreign tourists flock to Bantayan Island during the Holy Week.

The island is known for its resorts and a papal exemption that allows residents to eat meat during the Lenten season. During the Spanish times, the Vatican granted the island with an indult or a license allowing an act that is ordinarily not allowed by Church laws, in this case, eating meat during Holy Week.

During Holy Week, the resorts in the island are usually packed with vacationers and are alive with activities, especially the town of Sta. Fe. But this year, the Municipality of Sta. Fe wants to regulate the festive activities.

Sta. Fe is one of three municipalities that make up Bantayan Island.

The Municipal Council passed an ordinance last Jan. 28 regulating the activities during Holy Week.

The ordinance was submitted for review at the Provincial Board (PB) through the committee on laws headed by Peter John Calderon.

“It is the objective of the Municipality of Sta. Fe to promote tourism without sacrificing the good tradition and culture of its constituents,” Read resolution 20-2008 supporting the ordinance, authored by Municipal Councilors Renato Sangundo and Roger Ilustrisimo.

“During Holy Week, many organized activities destroy the solemn celebration of the faithful Christians,” it also read.

Catholics celebrate Holy Week as a reminder of Jesus Christ’s passion and death. The celebration culminates with Christ’s resurrection during Easter.

“It is the desire of the local government officials to provide equal opportunities to the business sector, tourists and the Church,” the resolution added.

The ordinance provides, “Any activity that gathers or attracts people other than those officially initiated by the Church is subject to the regulation of this ordinance.”

Starting Maundy Thursday on March 20 to Black Saturday on March 22, activities within 500 meters from the Church will need a mayor’s permit.

The permit will only be granted if it is “decent and does not discriminate the culture of Santafehanons and the Church, like bikini opens, drama presentations and film showings against the faith of the Church.”

Loud noise of engines, machines and sound systems is also prohibited.

Games that “disturb the solemn celebration of the Church” will also be considered unlawful.

The ordinance defines any “activity” as an event, act or occurrence that attracts or gathers two or more people such as disco, concert, stage presentation and the like.

Penalty is imprisonment of six months to a year or a fine of P2,000 to P5,000 or a combination of both. (JGA)