Philippine liquor ban – May 9 to 13 2013

As part of the preparations for the coming midterm polls next week, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) will begin implementing a five-day liquor ban beginning this May 9, Thursday.

The poll body last February decided to extend the liquor ban from two to five days upon the suggestion of Francis Tolentino, chair of the Metro Manila Development Authority.

In its Minute Resolution 13-0322, the commission noted that Tolentino originally wanted the liquor ban to be in effect for a longer period of time, possibly as long as the gun ban which lasts throughout the campaign period.

Prior to Tolentino’s proposal, the COMELEC announced that it is sticking to the two-day liquor ban as prescribed in the Omnibus Election Code for the 2013 elections.

Members of the Philippine National Police (PNP), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) operatives, Regional Election Directors, Provincial Election Supervisors, Election Officers, and the COMELEC Election Laws Enforcement Team are all designated to enforce the liquor ban. Convicted offenders can be imprisoned from one to six years. They may also lose their right to vote and get elected.

Establishments that cater to foreigners like hotels and bars may be exempted from the liquor ban in accordance to COMELEC Resolution 9582:

SECTION 4. Where to apply for and secure exemption. – Applications for exemption together with supporting documents, shall be filed with, and duly acted upon by the following:

1. Regional Election Director of the National Capital Region   (NCR), in cases of hotels and other establishments located In the NCR;
2. Provincial Election Supervisors with respect to establishments located in the municipalities within their respective provinces; and
3. City Election Officers with respect to those located within their respective cities/districts.

SECTION 5. Conditions for the grant of exemption. – Exemption may be granted only upon compliance and submission of the following:

1. the request/petition/application for exemption must be under oath and must contain a statement that the hotel/establishment operators/owners have not been convicted for an election offense;
2. A certification by the Department of Tourism shall state that the requesting hotel or establishment is:
   1. tourist-oriented; and
   2. habitually in the business of catering to foreign tourist.
3. Currently licensed to do business; and
4. Has paid the required taxes and/or fees imposed by the government or any of its agencies or instrumentalities.

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Mark Pere Madrona

The Filipino Scribe (TFS) is managed by Mark Pere Madrona, a multi-awarded writer and licensed professional teacher from the Philippines.

Mr. Madrona earned his master’s degree in history from the University of the Philippines-Diliman last 2020. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in journalism cum laude from the same university back in 2010. His area of interests includes Philippine journalism, history, and politics as well as social media.

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