The mayor of Binalonan, a small town about three hours north of the Philippine’s capital of Manila, has ordered that rumour-spreading be made a ‘punishable offence’ to “improve productivity and quality of life” for his citizens.
Residents of at least seven different neighbourhoods in the area could be hit with fines of roughly $14 AUD, or penalties (like spending the afternoon collecting rubbish) if they’re caught gossiping in public, reports The Wall Street Journal.
The mayor, Ramon Guico III, says the current Summer season is the worst time for gossip because the heat encourages people to gather in the shade and discuss the goings-on around the town.
“It’s such a waste of time . . . You’d think people would have something better to do.”
Local leaders also claim gossip puts members of the community at risk of “slander” and that rumour-spreading increases conflict (well, they’re not wrong there).
But can you stop gossip? We think it’s pretty hard to put a lid on.
The laws are being rolled out in the lead-up to local elections – but in an even stranger election campaign move, Ramon has also imposed a ban on karaoke sessions after 10pm.
Now that’s something we can get behind.
