The Anti-discrimination Ordinance of Cebu City

Cebu City Anti-Discrimination Ordinance No. 2339 aims to promote tolerance and respect for the minorities and make sure that they are not discriminated in any area of their lives.

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The Ordinance Summarized

An ordinance prohibiting discrimination in the city of Cebu on the basis of disability, age, health status, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, and religion.

Section 1: Short Title
This ordinance shall be known and cited as “Cebu City Anti-Discrimination Ordinance.

Section 2: Declaration of Policy
It is hereby declared as a policy of the City of Cebu to promote and to effectively eliminate all forms of discrimination that violate and offend the guarantee of equal protection of Human Rights as enshrined in the Bill of Rights and other existing laws as well as in the various international conventions and obligations to which the country adheres.

Section 3: Definition of Terms

Section 4: Prohibited Acts
It is hereby prohibited to discriminate any person and/or group of persons on the basis of their disability, age, health status, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, and religion.

It is unlawful for any person, natural or juridical to:
a. Deny access
b. Refuse admission
c. Refuse or revoke the accreditation
d. Deny a person’s access to medical services
e. Deny a person access to public establishments
f. Force any person to any medical examination

Section 5: Anti-Discrimination Programs
The Cebu City government shall endeavor to ensure that discrimination is prevented and effectively addressed through the following programs:
a. Discrimination and Stigma Reduction Program
b. Access to Scholarships, Skills, Employment and Livelihood Opportunities.
c. Access to Legal Representation
d. Policy Review

Section 6: Implementation
The Cebu City government through the Department of Social Welfare and Services (DSWS) shall handle the following complaints.
1. Complaints shall first be lodged with the Katarungang Pambarangay.
2. Work-related discrimination shall be subject to the provisions of the Labor Code of the Philippines.
3. The victims will be assisted by appropriate court and other concerned government agencies.

Section 7: Penalties
Php 1,000.00 – Php 5,000.00
Imprisonment of 1 to 30 days.

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The passage of the Anti-Discrimination Ordinance No. 2339 was championed in the city council by Councilors Alvin Dizon, Margarita Osmena, Ma. Nida Cabrera, John Philip Po II, Lea Japson, and Augustus Pe.