Kite-flying barred in Cordova

Local

FLYING kites in the town of Cordova, Cebu is now prohibited.

The municipal council passed an ordinance banning the flying of kites within its territorial jurisdiction, regardless of the purpose and materials used.

The local governmenrt unit also imposed restrictions on the operation of captive balloons, model airplanes, moored balloons, drones, and unmanned free balloons within the vicinity or within a 500-meter radius of the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX).

Other prohibited acts provided in the newly established local law include the use of metallic strings, nylon lines, or any conductive materials for any aerial activity in the town to avoid power line hazards. It also prohibits the use of high-intensity lights and projecting laser lights directed at motorists on the CCLEX or at aircraft and flight paths, as these can endanger road and air traffic.

The ordinance also bans the mass release of helium-filled or other lighter-than-air balloons during events, promotions, or advertising activities as these pose risk to aircraft operations and engines.

Authored by Councilor Lemuel Pogoy, the Cordova Comprehensive Anti-Kite Flying, CCLEX Aerial Safety, and Aviation Security Ordinance also provides regulations on the use of drones in the vicinity of the CCLEX.

For those who wish to operate drones within the CCLEX vicinity for professional, commercial, or scientific purposes, a permit must first be secured from the Office of the Mayor.

Users must ensure that the drone is registered and that the operator has valid insurance coverage.

The flying of drones is allowed only during daytime and within the visual line of sight of the operator, at a maximum altitude of 400 feet.

The flying of drones within a 6-kilometer radius of the MCIA and Benito Ebuen Air Base without prior written clearance from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) and the MCIA is prohibited.

Those who operate drones must also secure aviation-related proficiency certification and have a minimum of five hours of flight experience.

“The maximum altitude remains 400 feet, and any moored balloons must also comply with height restrictions set by CAAP,” read the ordinance passed on May 25, 2026.

The rules exempt authorized government, research, and flight-testing activities, while allowing the use of laser emergency signaling devices during legitimate distress situations.

Those found guilty of violating the ordinance will be fined P500 and have the object confiscated for the first offense.

A fine of P1,000 and confiscation of the object or drone will be imposed for the second offense, while a fine of P2,500 will be imposed for the third offense, with imprisonment of not more than six months, depending upon the decision of the court.

For minors who violate the law, the parent or legal guardian will be held liable for the fines.(MyTVCebu)