10 found with AIDS; 256 nightspots ordered closed

By Julie G. Fianza

BAGUIO CITY – Nine out of 10 persons here were found afflicted with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, nine of them males, one a 17-year-old and the number is increasing.

This prompted Mayor Reinaldo Bautista, who bared this, to direct the Public Order and Safety Division and Criminal Investigation Division Group to closely monitor and regulate Karaoke dens, bars and other nighttime establishments, said to be the breeding grounds for said cases.

Coupled with this is the mayor’s issuance of 256 closure orders for mostly nighttime businesses for various violations of the business code; including strict implementation of health certificate procurement for workers.

Also alarming is the increase in gay bars, the mayor added.

The mayor also said as consequence of finding out that males far more outnumber the females in being infected with Sexually Transmitted Diseases, gay karaoke bars should be more strictly monitored and regulated.

Health certificates from the City Health Department are requirements for female night spot workers, and would soon be strictly required of male dancers and workers in gay bars.

Bars, Karaoke dens and similar nightspots are not exempt from complying with all requirements in acquiring business permits. Violations would then be grounds for the revocation of business permits, and eventually closure, Bautista said.