PRO-7 To Implement Liquor Ban A Day Before May 9 Polls

The Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 will start to implement a liquor ban a day before the May 9 elections, an official said.

Chief Superintendent Patrocinio Comendador Jr., PRO 7 director, said the liquor ban will cover all alcoholic drinks, including coconut wine or tuba.

He said they will enforce the ban because drunkenness can lead to trouble.

“Arguments will lead to unnecessary fight and injuries,” he said.

Comendador said establishments that cater to tourists like hotels can request for an exemption from the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

Comelec Resolution 10095 prohibits “any person, including owners and managers of hotels, resorts, restaurants, and other establishments of the same nature to sell, furnish, offer, buy, serve, or take intoxicating liquor anywhere in the Philippines” on May 8 and 9.

A violation of the liquor ban carries the penalty of imprisonment of not less than one year but not more than six years, without probation.

The offender will also be disqualified from holding public office and will be banned from voting.

But the Comelec resolution exempts foreigners from the liquor ban in hotels, resorts, restaurants, and other establishments certified by the Department of Tourism as tourist-oriented and habitually in the business of catering to foreign tourists. (PNA) LAP/EB/EBP