Zip line regulation pushed

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Council wants to regulate the operations of zip lines in the city to ensure public safety. Councilor Roberto Cabarrubias, in a proposed ordinance, seeks to require zip line operators to secure a permit from the city government.

 Based on the ordinance of Cabarrubias, a penalty of P5,000 fine or one year imprisonment, or both depending on the discretion of the court, shall be imposed against the violators.

According to Cabarrubias, zip lines ride are often very fast and is operated on highly elevated area, which requires regulation to ensure safety of the riders. Zip lines and similar entertainment activities have become popular to local and foreign tourists in Cebu.

A zip line consists of pulleys and cables mounted on an incline designed to propel the rider by gravity. There is an ongoing zip line operation in the mountains of Cebu City, particularly along the Trans-Central Highway.

Cabarrubias proposes that before a business permit would be granted to would be zip line operators, an accreditation from the Department of Tourism should be secured first.

A clearance from the Office of the Building Officials (OBO) is also required to ensure that the zip line is worthy or fit for operation and to submit the names of the personnel to be hired to work for the operation.

Another provision of the proposed ordinance is to set an age limit to the riders. The ordinance proposes not to allow any person 60 years old and above or below 12 years old to enjoy the ride.

The proposed ordinance was already referred to the Committee on Laws and Ordinances for review, study and recommendation.

A similar ordinance was earlier proposed at the Cebu Provincial Ordinance.  (FREEMAN)