ILOILO – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Iloilo is enforcing a liquor ban from 12:01 a.m. on May 11 until midnight of May 12, election day, but applicable only to Filipino citizens.
Foreign national are exempted under specific conditions, including staying at accredited establishments.
Provincial Election Supervisor Reinier Layson clarified that local businesses such as hotels, resorts, and restaurants can apply for a certificate of exemption to serve alcoholic beverages, but only to foreign tourists.
“But even if an exemption is granted, the ban remains in full force for Filipinos,” Layson emphasized, underlining the strict enforcement to maintain peace and order during the election period.
The prohibition, outlined in Section 261 of the Omnibus Election Code and reiterated in Comelec Resolution No. 10946, aims to minimize alcohol-related disruptions during the elections.
For establishments to qualify for the exemption, they must be accredited by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and routinely cater to foreign clients.
Applications must be submitted to the local Comelec offices, with additional documentation proving the establishment’s foreign clientele.
Although several exemption applications have already been processed, Layson refrained from disclosing the exact number, stating that a formal announcement would be made soon./PN
