Liquor ban ‘most welcome’ for Filipinos to ensure peaceful polls

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MANILA, Philippines – The two-day liquor ban for a peaceful and orderly midterm elections takes effect May 11 and 12.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) implemented the liquor ban a day before over 68 million Filipinos troop to polling precincts from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. to elect 12 senators, 63 party-lists, 254 district representatives, and 17,942 governors, provincial board members, mayors, and councilors.

The prohibition is in accordance with Comelec Resolution No. 11057, which strictly prohibits the selling, offering, and consumption of alcoholic beverages during the two-day ban.

“It serves a significant purpose in preventing alcohol-related violence, arguments or disturbances that could disrupt the peace during the elections,” Karen Keigh Balderama, a 38-year-old barangay kagawad (village councilor) in Pateros, said in an interview.

Balderama said she will see to it that the ban is strictly enforced in her area, adding that as a public servant, her duty is to uphold the law and ensure peace and order.

“My focus will be on helping maintain a peaceful and orderly environment so our constituents can vote safely,” she said.

Melvin Marco, 28, a restaurant crew in Taguig City, said alcohol prohibition is most welcome to ensure that every voter is physically and mentally prepared to choose the next national and local officials.

“(Mainam po yun) dahil kalmado ang utak ng mga tao (That’s good because people will be calmer),” he said.

With calmer minds, Marco said people can make more informed decisions.

Kevin Protacio, 29, an area manager residing in Pasay City, said the liquor ban is necessary to restrain undisciplined individuals who might create a ruckus once they get drunk.

Jover Dailo, 39, a businessman residing in Makati City, said a liquor ban ensures a “peaceful, orderly and clean polls.”

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has declared May 12 a special non-working holiday to allow registered voters to participate in the national and local elections.

AFP to help ensure orderly polls

Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said it is working closely with the Philippine National Police (PNP) to ensure that the midterm elections are secured and orderly.

“The AFP, as deputized by the Comelec during the election period, is working closely with the Philippine National Police to ensure secure and peaceful midterm elections,” AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said in an interview Saturday.

According to the latest categorization by the PNP, 1,272 areas fall under the green category (generally peaceful), 197 under yellow (with a history of election-related incidents), 136 under orange (with active threat groups), and 35 under red (with intense political rivalries and serious threats).

“The AFP provides augmentation to the PNP based on the threat level and security needs identified in each area,” Padilla said.

“The number of personnel deployed varies, with increased presence especially in orange and red areas, in coordination with Comelec and the Joint Security Control Centers to ensure public safety and electoral integrity,” he added.

She also assured the public that the AFP remains professional, non-partisan and dedicated to preserving the sanctity of the electoral process.

“We enjoin the public to remain calm, vigilant and cooperative to help guarantee that the elections are peaceful, orderly and reflective of the people’s will,” Padilla said. (with reports from Lloyd Caliwan/PNA)