Cebu panel narrows fun run bill to avoid covering protest marches

CEBU CITY, Philippines — A Council committee here has recommended narrowing the scope of a proposed ordinance regulating fun runs and marathons, after warning that its current language could unintentionally cover advocacy marches, public demonstrations, and other gatherings that fall outside the measure’s intent.

The Committee on Laws, Ordinances and Styling endorsed the proposed ordinance by Councilor Dave Tumulak but urged amendments to its definition of “similar special events.”

It said that the provision, as currently worded, casts too wide a net and could create legal and regulatory complications once implemented.

The recommendation emerged in the committee report on Tumulak’s proposed ordinance. That proposal seeks to replace two existing city ordinances with a single regulatory framework governing eco-foot races, fun runs, marathons, ultra-marathons, and similar events held on Cebu City’s roads and public spaces.

Definition draws concern

The committee agreed that the proposal represents a valid exercise of the City’s police power under the Local Government Code.

But it flagged Section 3.13, which defines “Similar Special Events,” for including activities such as walkathons, charity walks, advocacy marches, and themed runs.

According to the committee, retaining those activities in the definition risks extending the ordinance beyond organized road races. Councilor Mikel Rama, a lawyer, chairs the committee.

“By including walkathons, charity walks, advocacy marches, or themed runs within the scope of the proposed ordinance, there is a risk that public demonstrations and gatherings that are not fun runs per se might be interpreted to fall under its coverage,” the report stated.

The committee warned that such an interpretation could complicate the implementation of existing rules governing public assemblies and demonstrations.

Simplify the definition, committee advises

To avoid those issues, the committee recommended simplifying the definition. It needs to clearly apply only to organized mass-participation activities that resemble eco-foot races, fun runs, or marathons.

The proposed change aims to preserve the ordinance’s original regulatory purpose without creating overlaps with laws or regulations governing public protests and assemblies.

Aside from the recommended amendment, the committee backed the broader measure.

It said the proposal updates and consolidates City Ordinance No. 2309, which regulates foot races, and City Ordinance No. 2527, which prohibits disposable plastics and foam food containers during fun runs and similar events.

The report said the consolidated ordinance establishes a more comprehensive framework that addresses environmental sustainability, public safety, traffic management, emergency preparedness, and inter-agency coordination.

Consolidating regulations

The committee also found that Cebu City’s legislative body holds the authority under the Local Government Code to regulate the use of streets, manage traffic, and oversee activities conducted in public places.

It added that organized road races require coordinated government action to minimize traffic disruption, ensure public safety, and facilitate emergency response.

The committee also supported the measure’s environmental provisions, noting that large-scale road races inevitably generate solid waste.

Environmental safeguards

The proposed ordinance retains the ban on single-use plastics and foam food containers during races. It also requires organizers to adopt reusable hydration systems and other environmentally friendly alternatives.

According to the report, these provisions align with the constitutional policy on environmental protection and the authority granted to local governments to promote ecological balance and sustainable development.

The committee also recommended holding a public hearing before the City Council proceeds with the ordinance because the proposal imposes penalties, service fees, and performance bond requirements.

Public hearing

It said the hearing would allow stakeholders to examine whether the proposed fees remain reasonable, equitable, and proportionate to the government’s regulatory costs.

The committee likewise said the ordinance must comply with publication requirements before it can take effect.

The proposed ordinance earlier drew attention after introducing significantly higher permit fees for organizers of road races in Cebu City.

A plan to manage traffic

Under Tumulak’s proposal, organizers would pay permit fees ranging from ₱20,000 for races 10 kilometers and shorter, to ₱100,000 for full marathons and ultra-marathons.

They would also post a refundable performance bond equivalent to 50 percent of the permit fee, subject to compliance with cleanup and traffic management requirements.

The measure requires organizers to secure endorsements from the Cebu City Sports Commission and clearances from the Cebu City Transportation Office.

They must submit traffic mitigation plans, deploy safety personnel and emergency medical services, and comply with stricter environmental standards.

The proposed ordinance remains pending before the Cebu City Council.

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