Comelec extends liquor ban

MANILA, Philippines - The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has extended the election liquor ban from two to five days.

In a three-page resolution, the Comelec said the ban on the sale, purchase and intake of alcoholic products would be enforced from May 9 to 13.

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Francis Tolentino earlier sought the extension of the liquor ban to 45 days.

Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes, however, said 45 days is too long, adding that there will be adverse reaction from liquor manufacturers.

Brillantes and Commissioners Lucenito Tagle, Grace Padaca and Elias Yusoph voted for the extension.  

Commissioner Christian Robert Lim voted against the extension, saying the poll body could not expand the liquor ban period as provided in the Omnibus Election Code.

Hotels and other establishments certified by the Department of Tourism as “tourist oriented and habitually in the business of catering to foreign tourists,” are exempted from the liquor ban.– With Mike Frialde