Councilor frets over rampant prostitution in Roxas City

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz— A city councilor here is worried over rampant prostitution which now involves minors.

Councilor Moreno Gonzaga said what’s more alarming is that some of the pimps involved were senior citizens.

“Ang mga minors ginabugawan sang mga senior citizens. Especially sa Roxas Avenue, Pavia, Legaspi, Magallanes, McKinley streets,” Gonzaga said in his privilege speech during the regular session of the Sanggunian Panlungsod Tuesday.

The councilor said that he observed the rampant prostitution after he went at night to verify the reports that reached his attention.

He also observed that some of the establishments where minors drink, smoke, and engage in prostitution operate without permits from the city government.

Gonzaga lamented that some ordinances such as curfew for minors and smoking ban in public places were unimplemented.

He also observed that illegal drugs and gambling were rampant because of the lack of police visibility.

“I’m worried that it will taint the image of Roxas City because of the unattended problems,” he added.