ILOILO City – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is enforcing a strict liquor ban nationwide from May 11 to 12, warning the public that any violation may result in imprisonment, loss of voting rights, and permanent disqualification from holding public office.
Comelec Region 6 director Atty. Dennis Ausan said the liquor ban applies to everyone regardless of political affiliation.
“On the day before and during the elections, selling, buying, taking out, or drinking intoxicating liquor is strictly prohibited. This is in effect the entire day of May 11 and May 12, except for those already exempted by the Commission,” Ausan said.
The prohibition is in accordance with sections 1 to 6 of Comelec Resolution 11057, which declares it unlawful for any person — including hotel, resort, restaurant owners and managers — to engage in any activity involving alcohol during the two-day ban.
Only establishments certified by the Department of Tourism (DOT) as tourist-oriented and regularly catering to foreign tourists may be exempted, but only upon securing prior written approval from Comelec officials. Even then, only foreign tourists are allowed to consume alcohol in these exempted establishments during the ban.
To apply for exemption, owners must submit an under-oath application, a DOT certification, a valid business permit from the local government unit, and a valid tax clearance from the Bureau of Internal Revenue.
The deadline for submission of exemption requests was May 5, 2025.
Applications were to be filed during weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and those submitted after the cut-off were deemed filed on the next working day. The Comelec reminded applicants that any misrepresentation or submission of falsified documents would lead to immediate denial.
Violators of the liquor ban face penalties of one to six years’ imprisonment without probation, in addition to disenfranchisement and a lifetime ban from holding public office./PN
