The Commission on Elections has released the guidelines for the implementation of the 2022 election liquor ban to ensure the peaceful and orderly conduct of the May 9 polls.
In a resolution promulgated on Dec. 16, the Comelec said purchasing and drinking alcohol and spirits is prohibited from May 8 to 9, 2022. Election laws fix the length of the liquor ban at two days.
What's not allowed during the liquor ban?
Under the Comelec resolution, it's prohibited for anyone, including owners and managers of hotels, resorts, restaurants, and other similar establishments to sell, furnish, offer, buy, serve, or take intoxicating liquor anywhere in the country.
Who may be exempted from the ban?
Hotels, resorts, restaurants, and other similar establishments certified by the Department of Tourism as tourist-oriented and habitually catering to foreign tourists may be exempted from the ban.
Only foreign tourists taking intoxicating liquor in the establishments authorized to sell and serve these products are exempted from prohibition.
In order to get an exemption, establishments should submit their application and other supporting documents to either of the following, wherever applicable:
- Regional election director of the NCR, in case of establishments located in Metro Manila;
- Provincial election supervisors, in case of establishments located in the municipalities within their respective provinces; and
- City election officers, in case of establishments located within their respective cities or districts.
Establishments seeking an exemption from the liquor ban must show that they are certified by the DOT as tourist-oriented and habitually in the business of catering to foreign tourists.
They must also be licensed to do business in the Philippines or in the area stated in their business permit, and have paid the required taxes.
What are the penalties for violating the liquor ban?
Violators of the prohibited acts will be punished with a jail time of one to six years without probation. They will also be disqualified from holding public office and from voting in the elections.
Read the full Comelec resolution here.
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