The Commission on Elections reminded the people yesterday that the two-day liquor ban is in effect across the country for a clean, orderly, and peaceful elections tomorrow.
The sale, purchase, serving, and drinking of alcohol beverages are prohibited from 12:01 a.m., May 12, to 12:01 a.m., May 13.
It also reminded the people that the campaign period ended yesterday, thus, all forms of campaigning are prohibited.
“Campaigning is not allowed on Sunday, so let’s have a little quiet for now. Let us allow the voters to decide without hearing the campaign jingles repeatedly,” Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said. “Bawal na rin ang mag-benta at uminom in public ng mga inuming nakaka-lasing,” he added.
Comelec Resolution No. 10461 states that violators of the liquor ban will face up to six years imprisonment.
However, there are some exemptions to the liquor ban.
“You can sell liquor or consume liquor only if you have an exemption. This is for tourist destinations,” Jimenez said. “Sa loob ng bahay pwede, basta huwag lalabas and huwag din kayong magbitbit ng alak sa labas,” he added.
The Manila Police District also reminded that imprisonment awaits violators of the liquor ban.
MPD chief Police Brig. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr. said those caught disregarding the liquor ban may end up in jail for one to six years. Aside from this, offenders may also lose their right to run for public office and suffrage.
The Philippine National Police said yesterday they are ready to replace teachers who would back out in their election duties as 2,838 cops were trained by the Comelec to be substitute electoral boards.
Police Col. Bernard Banac, PNP spokesperson, said they have yet to receive confirmed reports of teachers who refuse to perform election duties.
Banac said that the PNP received a report that some 400 teachers backed out in Lanao del Sur but said this has not been confirmed.
“The PNP will wait for instructions from Comelec but we are ready to respond and provide replacements should the need arise,” Banac said. “We have 2,838 cops who were trained by the Comelec for this purpose,” he added.
Of the 2,838 policemen, around 500 cops are assigned in Mindanao which was placed under Red category, or those areas of grave concern, by the Comelec, Banac said.
Meanwhile, 40 election-related violent incidents have been recorded from Jan. 13 to 6 a.m. yesterday, lower compared to 106 recorded in 2016 and 94 in 2013. Fourteen persons were killed 22 others were wounded in this year’s 40 election-related violent incidents.
The PNP earlier said most of the victims of poll-related violence are the candidates themselves and their supporters.
More than 61 million voters nationwide are expected to cast their votes in the mid-term elections. Voting hours are from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Minka Tiangco with a report from Martin Sadongdong and Ria Fernandez)
