Hontiveros proposes “bubble” ordinance to keep sports going

CEBU, Philippines —  In an effort to regulate the resumption of isolated health-enhancing physical activities and sports within the jurisdiction of Cebu City during the Covid-19 pandemic, councilor Dondon Hontiveros has proposed a “Sports Bubble” ordinance before the city council during their regular session yesterday.

In his resolution, Hontiveros acknowledged that the global health crisis has affected almost all human undertaking, restricted human movements, and prohibits mass gathering including the conduct of sports activities but it must not deter the state from promoting and developing sports provided that all health and safety measures will be put in place given the current situation .

Hontiveros pointed out that pursuant to the Joint Administrative Order (JAO) No. 2020-0001 and Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) Resolution. No. 56, health-enhancing physical activities and sports under the jurisdiction of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and Games and Amusement Board (GAB) may be allowed subject to the observance of the minimum public health standards.

“Whereas, the City of Cebu recognizes the need to revive and promote sports tourism, and to provide employment opportunities to the players, coaches and team staff, hereby adopts the pertinent provisions of JAO 2020-001 and IATF Resolution. No. 56 to suit their practical applicability in this jurisdiction,” the former PBA star turned politician stated in part of the ordinance he filed.

To be referred to as the “Cebu City Sports Bubble Ordinance”, Hontiveros expounded that the legislative measure is enacted to allow the resumption of professional sports, leagues or competitions in the City of Cebu, to provide employment opportunities to the players, team members and staff and all stakeholders, and to promote and revive the city’s sports tourism during this pandemic without compromising the health and safety protocols laid down by the authorities.

The ordinance is applicable only to all pro sports that will be conducted within the jurisdiction of Cebu City at this point of time. It expressly excludes non-professional and amateur sports leagues and competitions.

However, Hontiveros revealed that a minor amendment in the coverage of the ordinance includes the national teams and athletes vying to be in the national team or qualify for international games.

For a league or any entity to be allowed to stage a sports bubble, they must apply for a special permit. No professional sports league or competition will be allowed to play within the city without a ‘sports bubble’ permit from the office of the mayor, which will only be approved upon satisfactorily complying the needed requirements as stipulated in the ordinance.

A ‘sports bubble’ permit shall be valid only for the entire duration of an event. Such validity shall be provided in the permit itself and is automatically revoked upon the conclusion of the competition. A subsequent application for a renewal of such permit shall be made if another league conference is to be conducted.

In the event that any individual in the tournament is confirmed COVID-19 positive, the conduct of games and other activities such as team practices may be suspended.

As for the organizers, they must form an Executive Committee (Execom), which serves as the governing body responsible for the decision making and management of the tournament and its affairs.

The Execom shall also act on recommendations and decisions of the Grievance Committee, which will act as an investigative and monitoring body to ensure that all protocols are strictly observed and followed by everyone.

The city government, with the assistance and coordination of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), Inter-Agency Task Force, and the Department of Health (DOH), shall monitor to ensure that the ordinance is faithfully executed and complied with.

Any violation of the provisions of the ordinance shall cause the denial, cancellation, or revocation of an existing “sports bubble” permit and may subject the concerned party or parties to any reasonable sanctions as warranted by existing laws, ordinances and regulations.