Manila bans liquor, closes some roads for Sto. Niño feast

In light of the celebration of the Sto. Niño de Tondo in Manila,  the local government imposed a liquor ban in some areas and announced road closures.

In Joseph Morong's report on "24 Oras," the traditional Lakbayaw Festival will not be exhibited this year. However, there will still be a motorcade on Saturday and Sunday, where the image of the Sto. Niño will be brought out for the devotees.

From the church, it will turn right to Claro M. Recto and take over the sixteen streets around the church on Saturday starting at 7 a.m. The street dance competition will begin at 8 a.m. On Sunday, the motorcade is at 4 a.m.

“Ilalabas ang imahe ng Sto. Niño tapos iniimbatahan namin ang lahat ng deboto na mag-abang sa tradisyunal na ruta na dadaanan ng Niño,” Fr. Mark Jeferson Millet, Spokesperson, Archdiocese Shrine Of Sto. Niño De Tondo.

In an advisory, Manila Public Information Office (PIO) announced that the following roads will be closed from Saturday, January 14, until Sunday, January 15, from 12:01 a.m. onwards:

- Stretch of N. Zamora St. from Moriones St. to Chacon St.
- Stretch of Sta. Maria St. from Moriones St. to Morga St.
- Stretch of J. Nolasco St. from Morga St. to N. Zamora St.
- Stretch of Morga St. from Asuncion St. to Juan Luna St.
- Stretch of Ortega St. from Asuncion St. to Soliman St.
- Stretch of Lakandula St. from Asuncion St. to llaya St.
- Stretch of llaya St. from Lakandutla St. to CM. Recto Ave.
- Stretch of Chacon St. from Cano St. to N. Zamora St.
- Stretch of Soliman St. from Morga St. to Ortega St. / N.Zamora St.

“Suggested alternative route is provided below for the public's use,” it added.

Meanwhile, the local government will also implement a liquor ban in some selected areas in Manila on January 14 and 15. However, the local government clarified individuals could drink and celebrate inside their homes, but not  around the church of Tondo and in Pandacan.

“With or without the liquor ban mayroon tayong ordinance no. 555 kung saan ipinagbabawal talaga yung public drinking sa mga kalye. So if we want to enjoy within the confines of our homes, that is allowed,” Princess Abante, Manila City Hall spokesperson said.

The image of the Sto. Niño de Tondo is the second oldest image in the Philippines, after Sto. Niño de Cebu.

“Sa buong Pilipinas kung hindi sa buong mundo, ang pagdedebosyon sa sto niño ang pinakapopular sapagkat ito yung parang mas madaling lapitan ng ating kababayan pero ipinapaala natin, iisang Panginoon yan, iisang Panginoong Hesus ang ating nilalapitan,” Millet said.—Sherylin Untalan/LDF, GMA Integrated News