MANILA – Planning to do an engagement session at Luneta? You can’t just bring a photographer there and ask him or her to start shooting.

The National Parks Development Committee (NPDC) has released rules on photo and video shoots at Luneta, also known as Rizal Park, and Paco Park.

The NPDC said casual snapshots taken using mobile phones and simple cameras are allowed, but the following photo and video shoots in the two parks require a permit:

- Commercial shoots
- Commercial or non-commercial shoots involving the use of models, costumes, music, and props
- Shoots which may cause obstruction on park operations and/or attract public attention
- News features and interviews
- Special occasion photography (pre-nuptial, pre-debut, wedding, birthday, anniversary, etc.)

A script and storyboard must be submitted to the NPDC for video shoots “to ensure the park will not be placed in a negative or bad light.”

The committee added that shoots involving the use of the Rizal Monument and the Philippine flag must get approval or endorsement from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines.

Read the full statement below:

The NPDC released the guidelines in reaction to the viral video of filmmaker Chris Cahilig, who cried foul after being stopped by Luneta’s security guards from doing a video shoot with the boy band 1:43.

Cahilig dubbed the committee’s policies as “clearly anti-tourism” and “backward,” noting that such do not exist in public parks abroad.