CLEAN TOILET (Photo by LIZA T. AGOOT)

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — The city government of is eyeing the mandatory installation of bidets in toilets of public and private establishments for improved sanitation and public convenience.

Councilor Leandro Yangot said in an interview on Wednesday that “proper sanitation is a key component of public health and safety as it benefits not only residents but also tourists and visitors in the city.”

He said a toilet must not only be clean but also have a supply of running water that can be used for flushing and washing hands, as well as a bidet.

Yangot said he filed a proposal to the city council to make toilet cleanliness mandatory not just for public toilets but also for those in private establishments like malls.

Likewise, he said proper lighting and safety features such as non-slip flooring and grab bars must be installed for persons with disabilities (PWDs) and senior citizens.

The measure is in line with the mandates of Batas Pambansa Bilang 344 (BP 344) to ensure the accessibility of facilities for PWDs and the elderly.

Yangot said once the ordinance is approved, violators will be required to pay penalties ranging from P500 to P2,000.

Repeat violations can potentially delay the renewal of their business permits until business owners secure a certificate of compliance from the city government.