Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia has given the operators of spa clinics in the city time to comply with the requirement of the Department of Health but advised them to ask for reconsideration with the DOH regarding their compliance with P.D. 856 that requires their attendants to undergo weekly cervical smears and secure pink health cards, a press release from City Hall said.

P.D. 856 is also the basis of the City Health Office in requiring the pap smears and for the issuance of health certificates to spa attendants.

Jose Montalbo, president of the Royal Wellness Spa and spokesperson of the spa proprietors, who requested for the Mayor's intervention, during a recent gathering, said that all the spas attendants in Iloilo are issued green cards, while those in Bacolod are required to have pink health certificates.

The operators also expressed concern that the requirement may delay the renewal of their business permits.

Leonardia suggested that the spa operators write and explain this problem to DOH regional director Dr. Lydia Depra-Ramos. He said he wants to give them some leeway but, at the same time, he does not want to hinder government agencies and personnel who are performing their jobs. While they are awaiting the reply of the DOH regional office, the status quo in their operation in the city will suffice, he said.

Councilor Ana Marie Palermo said the Sangguniang Panlungsod might pass a resolution requesting the proper government agency to amend the provision of the law to apply to spa clinics in the country.*CGS

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