Wednesday, October 15, 2008 Bill regulating festivals won't pass By Rimaliza Opiña
HOUSE Bill (HB) 5161, filed by Zambales Second District Representative Antonio Diaz will not hold water, at least for one member of the House committee on tourism.
The bill, which aims to regulate the conduct of fiestas or festivals in the country as well as to encourage local governments to save money, during this time of impending recession is not reason to buckle down or even stop, said Baguio Representative Mauricio Domogan.
For Baguio Country Club general manager Anthony de Leon, festivals not only benefit businesses but it adds employment to a number of people who depend on tourism.
Instead, Domogan said festivals should be encouraged because it is during these times when people gain employment and therefore can cope with the economic crunch.
The lavish display of wealth was cited as one reason why Diaz filed the bill regulating the conduct of festivals.
In the website of the House of Representatives, Diaz said while fiestas delight people, the affairs are grandiose causing people to spend beyond their means. He said people also squander their time and money to stage "unnecessary" celebrations.
The bill also seeks to limit expenses for festivals: P100,000 for provinces, P50,000 for cities; P30,000 for first and second class municipalities; P25,000 for third and fourth class municipalities; P20,000 for fifth and sixth class municipalities; and, P10,000 for barangays.
The Department of Tourism lists around 59 major fiestas observed in various parts of the country.
