Liquor ban takes effect May 8 to 9

As part of measures to secure Monday’s national and local elections, a liquor ban will be implemented across the country starting Sunday (May 8 & 9, as the Philippine National Police (PNP) reminds the public of election rules and prohibited acts which shall be implemented on May 8 and 9.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has released Resolution No. 10746 imposing the prohibition on selling, furnishing, offering, buying, serving, or taking intoxicating liquor during the identified period.

“Anyone found violating any of the provisions may face the penalty of imprisonment of not less than one year but not more than six years without probation,” said PNP Chief Officer-in-Charge/Security Task Force Commander, Lt. Gen. Vicente D Danao Jr., citing provisions of Comelec Resolution No. 10746.

He said the PNP is asking the public for discipline and strict compliance to avoid possible commotion or heated altercation during those crucial days.

This will also serve as a reminder to establishment owners to avoid displaying alcoholic beverages in their stores to prevent customers from being tempted to drink in public.

“We just want to maintain our peace and order in every community. Let us exercise the freedom of expression and right to suffrage in a calm and sacred manner,” Danao said in a statement.

A day before the national and local elections also marks the commencement of the campaign ban. No candidate or supporter is allowed to conduct campaign activities anymore. Anyone who breaks this rule will face an election offense.

Even during the election day on May 9, prohibition on campaign activities and distribution of campaign paraphernalia will be in effect, especially inside the voting centers.

The PNP will be watchful regarding these prohibitions and will be on alert for possible reports from citizens, Danao said.

Further, PNP personnel will not be allowed to get inside the polling places on election day except in cases of emergency when the Electoral Board will seek their assistance.

Danao assured the public that the 225,000-strong police force would ensure peaceful, orderly, and credible elections on May 9.

“As OIC of the PNP, we will ensure (a) secured, accurate and fair elections for 2022 and we will protect the mandate of the Constitution and the mandate of the Filipino people. Sa mga nagbabalak mandaya (Those who plan to sabotage the election), just a stern warning sa inyo ito (to you), we will use the full force of the law against you, at kung mahuli kayo pasensya, siguradong may pagkakalagyan kayo (if you get caught, you will face the full force of the law),” Danao told reporters on Friday at the sidelines of the retirement ceremony for outgoing PNP Chief Dionardo Carlos at Camp Crame in Quezon City.

He also reminded police officers to remain apolitical and treat all candidates equally.

“Yung mga pulis naman, let us remain apolitical, non-partisan. Regardless kung kaninong kandidato yan, dapat pantay-pantay ang pagtrato natin sa kanila (A reminder to our police force to remain apolitical, non-partisan. Regardless of who the candidates are, they should be treated equally),” he said.* (Christopher Lloyd Caliwan/PNA)