QC vice mayor thumbs down liquor ban request

MANILA, Philippines — Quezon City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte yesterday rejected a request to ban the sale and distribution of liquor in Barangay Loyola Heights.

Belmonte said they could not pass an ordinance prohibiting the sale of alcoholic drinks in one village.

“The city council can approve measures covering the whole city,” she said.

Officials and residents of Barangay Loyola Heights have issued a joint resolution urging the city government to stop the selling and serving of liquor and other alcoholic beverages in their jurisdiction. 

Barangay chairman Cesar Marquez said in a Rappler report that they issued the resolution as residential areas have become drinking strips.

According to Marquez, the resolution is the last resort to a longtime problem – drinking establishments skirting alcohol regulations.

He added that petty crimes were being committed in the area.

“Barangay leaders have the authority to pass ordinances,” Belmonte said in a text message to The STAR.

“If officials of Barangay Loyola Heights want to ban liquor in establishments in the area, they should be the one to craft a measure. The city council cannot issue an ordinance for one barangay alone,” she explained.

Belmonte said barangay officials should exercise authority and political will to strictly enforce regulations over their jurisdiction.  

“The barangay should be accountable for its own perceived concerns instead of passing the responsibility to the city government when they are more than capable of addressing the issue themselves,” the vice mayor said.

Belmonte, who heads the city council, noted that regulations are in place through existing ordinances.

She said the city government may convene an oversight committee to see if there are lapses in the implementation of the ordinances.

Belmonte belied a television report that  selling of liquor has been prohibited along major roads in Barangay Loyola Heights.

The Liquor Licensing and Regulatory Board, which issues permits to operate and engage in alcohol businesses, has the authority to ban the sale of liquor in the city. 

It also supervises the operations of manufacturers, distillers, distributors, dealers, wholesalers and retailers of liquor and other intoxicating beverages.