ILOILO City – The Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) approved an ordinance regulating the operation of peryahan and carnivals in this southern city.
The “Peryahan and Carnival Ordinance in the City of Iloilo”’ was approved on second and final reading during the SP’s regular session on Tuesday, June 27.
The owner and operator of the peryahan or carnival should ensure the worthiness and structural integrity of the rides and other structures and ensure its regular maintenance.
“It will be regulated, first, as to the integrity of the rides which most often problema nga may insidente gakatabu, gakahulog kay gakagub-an,” said Councilor Plaridel Nava, author of the ordinance.
The new measure will also prohibit the sale or bringing of alcoholic drinks and cigarettes as well as gambling and betting of whatever nature within the premises of peryahan or carnival.
“Wala na sang mga sugal sa sulod. If it is purely an amusement park, it should be limited to having fun without gambling,” the councilor stressed.
He added there should be no money involved especially that most of the patrons of peryahan and carnivals are kids. The councilor, cited for instance, the pula-puti game which involves betting.
“Pwede siguro ang kon ano nga paagi dira nga mag-enjoy ang mga kabataan kay ti ang mga pula-puti dira in the guise of amusement park ginareklamo gid na kag kis-a gatuga pa na sang inaway (They can offer other ways the kids can enjoy unlike this pula-puti in the guise of amusement park which sometimes could cause commotion),” said Nava.
He added: “Sa iban nga lugar like Disneyland, amusement park man pero wala gambling nga involved, sadyahan man mga kabataan. Kalabanan gina-cater kabataan and it is not nice to see nga mga kabataan temprano pa daw gina-expose na sila sa gambling (In other places like Disneyland, which is also an amusement park, there is no gambling involved yet the kids have fun. Most of the patrons (of amusement parks) are kids and it is not nice that they are exposed to gambling early on).”
The ordinance also stipulates that no more than two operators will be granted a permit to establish and operate a peryahan or carnival simultaneously within the same location or barangay.
A minor child will not also be allowed to enter a peryahan or a carnival except when accompanied by parent(s), legal guardian or relative within fourth degree of consanguinity who is of legal age.
The operation of amusement facilities should be limited to a maximum period of 15 days and to start from 5 p.m. until 12 midnight unless extended by the city mayor on certain special occasions.
Moreover, the operation of the peryahan or carnival shall be liable to pay the necessary amusement tax subject to the computation of the City Treasurer’s Office.
The Iloilo City Police Office and the Public Safety and Transportation Management Office are tasked to enforce the provision of this ordinance.
Violators will face a penalty of imprisonment of not more than one month and a fine of not more than P5,000.
However, if the offender is a juridical entity, the penalty will be imposed upon the officer or officers of the entity.
The ordinance takes effect 15 days from approval by the mayor.
Also, the Office of the City Mayor, in consultation with stakeholders, will promulgate rules and regulations necessary to implement the provisions of this ordinance within 90 days from its effectivity. /PN
