MANILA, Philippines—If a lawmaker from Marikina City were to have his way, releasing balloons into the air at rallies, celebrations or other events will soon be prohibited.

A proposed ordinance drafted by Councilor Roberto Ponce has cited research findings that point to the hazardous effects of balloons on animals, especially marine life.

In a statement, Ponce said that after balloons are released into the air, they eventually float back down and end up on land or in bodies of water where these can be mistaken for food by animals.

Balloons floating in water, the councilor said, resemble jellyfish which is eaten by many aquatic animals.

In fact, a lot of turtles, dolphins, whales, fish and sea birds have been found with balloons in their stomachs, he added.

Ponce clarified, however, that the proposed ordinance is not aimed at imposing a ban on the sale of balloons.

“When you release balloons into the air, it is not an exercise of free speech, it is simply litter. We can celebrate events without spoiling wildlife and the environment,” he said.

Once approved, violators of the ordinance, which will only cover Marikina City, face a fine of P500.

They will also be made to render eight hours of community service, Ponce added.