Liquor ban starts today

CEBU, Philippines - As the campaign period both for the national and local candidates ended last midnight, liquor ban also takes effect that makes illegal for anyone to sell and drink alcoholic beverages in public places.

Cebu City Police Office Director Patrocinio Comendador warned the public that the police will be strictly implementing the liquor ban ordered by the Commission on Elections.

He said violators will face one to six years imprisonment not subject to probation, if convicted. On top of it convicted violators will face perpetual disqualification to hold public office and deprivation of the right to suffrage.

“Panagsa ra man sad ni, just once in every three years. So wa g’yud ta’y reason para dili ta mo-comply,” Comendador said.

The Comelec Resolution 8730 or the rules and regulations governing the liquor ban in connection with tomorrow’s national and local elections are being implemented nationwide.

Comendador said that any person caught selling, buying or taking beer, wine and other alcoholic beverages will be apprehended.

He said that even those seen drunk in public places will be caught and eventually lose his or her right to vote.

In 2007 elections, Comendador said that at least 20 persons were arrested in Barangay Pardo for violating the liquor ban.

The only exemption from the ban are hotels and other establishments duly certified by the Department of Tourism (DOT) as tourist-oriented and habitually in business of catering to foreign tourists, provided they secure prior written authority from the Comelec.   (FREEMAN NEWS)