PNP: Cops to prowl groceries, sari-sari stores for liquor ban violations

 

PNP spokesman Chief Superintendent Generoso Cerbo Jr. said they will then continuously monitor establishments where liquor is served until the end of Election Day.

 

"Magpapatrolya kami sa araw at gabi hanggang May 13. Ang unahin nating oobserbahan ang karaniwang establishment tulad ng groceries at sari-sari stores," Cerbo said in an interview on dzBB radio.

 

He said they will also monitor beer houses and similar establishments.

 

"Bawal sa batas ang pagbebenta at pag-inom (Generally, the law prohibits the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages when the ban is in effect)," he said.

 

Under the liquor ban, selling and buying of alcoholic beverages is prohibited from 12 a.m. of May 9 to 11:59 p.m. of May 13.

 

Drinking and serving alcoholic beverages in polling places will be prohibited.

 

However, drinking and serving liquor may be allowed under these circumstances:

 

- Drinking alcoholic beverages within private property

- Hotels and tourist-oriented businesses certified by the Department of Tourism

- Foreign tourists may take alcoholic beverages in exempted establishments. Meanwhile, Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr said “the liquor ban is up to May 13 so we will implement this very strictly.” The ban is under Section 261 (dd) (1) of the Omnibus Election Code. The guilty party shall also be not subject to probation and disqualified to hold public office and deprivation of the right to vote. “We’re reminding the people na siguraduhin lang na susunod sila, specially yung retailers... sila kasi yung pinagbabawalan namin na magtinda, so tingnan natin kung gaano kaganda ang epekto,” he said. “If you notice na marami nang incidents ngayon, (problema) peace and order situation so maybe the liquor ban as early as May 9 would at least minimize incidents of election-related violence, yun ang purpose niyan,” Brillantes added. In March this year, the poll body decided to extend the liquor ban to five days from the previous two days to ensure that it will be quiet and peaceful days prior to elections. The decision was made upon the request of Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman Francis Tolentino, who initially wanted  a 45-day ban. Brillantes earlier said they did not grant Tolentino’s request because the period is too long and “there will be an adverse reaction from the liquor manufacturers.” — with a report from Amita O. Legaspi /LBG, GMA News