THE Baguio City Council has approved on first reading an ordinance that would see the use of Malcolm Square in the central business district regulated.
Under the proposed ordinance authored by Councilor Isabelo Cosalan, Jr., all activities using the open area shall be subjected to control, regulation, licensing and permitting through the City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO).
However, the ordinance also gives the local government the right to veto or disallow the conduct of any activity in the square.
The ordinance stipulates that payment for the use of the area or environmental maintenance fee and permitting are required and mandatory based on Ordinance No. 18, series of 2016 or the city’s Environment Code before activities shall be conducted in the said park.
Suggested possible activities that are allowed include social programs, musical concerns, television shows and film productions, field demonstrations, sports tournaments, skills Olympics or competitions, political rallies, religious and similar activities.
The ordinance also stipulates a P5,000 fine, summary confiscation and impounding of properties or animals, and or an imprisonment term of 5 days subject to the discretion of the court for usage of the square in a disallowed manner.
The ordinance taps the Baguio City Police office (BCPO), the Public Order and Safety Division (POSD), CEPMO, and other concerned offices to ensure the enforcement of the rules and regulations in the use of the square.
