Manila extends liquor ban until All Souls’ Day
The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) declared a nationwide liquor ban for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) from 29 November until election day on the 30th. However, Manila residents will have to stay off alcohol for much longer than the rest of the country.
The local government of Manila extended the implementation of the ban within their city until 2nd November, All Souls’ Day. Consequently, the liquor ban for Manila residents will now encompass 4 days, doubling the original two-day restriction.
Manila Mayor Honey Lacuña’s memorandum
Image credit: Manila Public Information Office via Facebook
The Manila Public Information Office shared the executive order signed by Manila Mayor Honey Lacuña on Thursday, October 26th.
According to the memorandum, the Manila liquor ban extension which also encompasses All Saints’ Day on 1st November was made to take into consideration “the somberness of these occasions and in light of the opening of city cemeteries to the general public, not just to Manileños.”
What is a liquor ban?
Image credit: kazuend via Unsplash
As per the Philippine Information Agency, the liquor ban is a temporary ban on the “sale, purchase, serving, and consumption of alcoholic beverages in public places”. It is usually imposed around election days when political tensions run high to “prevent incidents of violence”.
But good news for foreign tourists whose vacation falls on liquor ban days. International visitors can still enjoy a drink at “tourist-oriented” restaurants hotels, and other locations permitted by the Department of Tourism.
Alcohol ban extended until 2nd November
While you might have intended to reconnect with loved ones over a drink, you can explore alternative activities this Undas season. Now is the time to unwind from work or school, take a break from social media, and abstain from drinking.
Keep the celebration solemn and refresh your memory of Filipino Halloween traditions. For those seeking a touch of eerie excitement, you can also share these unexplainable paranormal tales around a campfire to keep the spooky vibe alive.
Cover image adapted from: kazuend via Unsplash