KALIBO, Aklan – In a bid to shut up gossipers from spreading malicious stories and speculations in the community, a municipal ordinance was filed in Makato, Aklan seeking to penalize rumor mongers.
Sangguniang Bayan (SB) member Abencio Torres III backed the anti-gossiping initiative.
Torres’ proposal entitled “An Ordinance defining Malicious Gossips and Insidious Rumor-mongering known as Anti-Tsismis of Makato, Aklan” is still pending before the SB’s committees on Law and Ordinances, and Peace and Order.
According to Torres, residents have rights to freedom of expression and speech, but these rights are not absolute, especially if it leads to harm.
Violators who intentionally destroy the person’s reputation will be fined, he said.
Last year, the town of Balete in this province also filed an “anti-tsismis” (gossip) ordinance to stop the practice and curb conflicts within the neighborhood. (With a report from Akean Forum/PN)
