The City Council, during last Monday’s regular session, approved on first reading a proposed ordinance requiring the installation of bidets in toilet seats of all commercial establishments, government offices and facilities in the city.
Under the proposed ordinance authored by Councilor Leandro B. Yangot, Jr., the installation of bidets in toilet seats is mandatory in public restrooms in all, cinemas, restaurants, cafes, inns, restobars, hotels, hospitals, clinics and rest rooms located in transport terminals, public markets, gyms, resorts, beauty salons, private and public schools, universities, government offices and agencies catering to a large volume of clients such as the Department of Education, the Department of Transportation and Railways, Land Transportation Office, government Service Insurance System, Social Security System, Pag-Ibig, Bureau of Internal Revenue, PhilHealth, and other government agencies, barangay halls and other similar establishments in the city.
The ordinance stated that no business permit or license to operate shall be issued to any of the aforesaid establishments whenever applicable for failure to comply with the installation of bidets.
In the event that a license or permit has already been issued, but upon inspection, it is determined that the establishment wantonly fails to maintain the bidets in good operating condition, the ordinance stipulated that that it shall be a sufficient ground for the cancellation or revocation of the issued business permit or license to operate subject to provisions of applicable measures.
The ordinance tasked the City Permits and Licensing Office, the City Engineering Office and the City Health Services Office to ensure full compliance of the establishments on the said requirement.
Any violation of the pertinent provisions of the ordinance shall cause the denial of application for business permit or license to operate or any renewal for failure to install bidets in toilet seats; stern warning and 15 days grace period to undertake repair or replacement as the case may be for failure to maintain the bidets in good operating condition for the first offense, a fine of P1,000 and suspension of operations for a period of 20 days for the second offense, a fine of P2000 and suspension of operations for a period of 15 days for the second offense and a fine of P3,000 and revocation or cancellation of business permit or license to operate for any succeeding offenses.
The ordinance mandated the City Mayor or his authorized representative to promulgate rules and regulations as may be necessary for the strict implementation of the proposed measure.
The ordinance emphasized that bidets are fabricated in various designs and the choice of materials may vary from chrome-plated metal, or stainless steels, plastic to cater to the varying budgets and preferences of the people.
Further, bidets are mainly used to wash and clean the genital, perineum inner buttocks and anus more efficiently and effectively considering the spurt of its water is angled to easily reach the perennial and genital area and aside from providing convenience, it also offers a more complete cleansing. By Dexter A. See