ILOILO City – In a rare display of civic discipline, nearly all bars, clubs, and nightspots in this city closed their doors two nights ahead of today’s May 12 midterm elections in anticipation of the Commission on Elections’ (Comelec) liquor ban, creating an unusually quiet city nightlife.
The Task Force on Moral Values and Formation (TFMVF), which conducted surprise inspections from the evening of May 10 until 2 a.m. on May 11, confirmed widespread voluntary compliance among entertainment establishments.
The closures covered nightclubs, karaoke lounges, and bars across key entertainment districts.
“Most of the owners closed even before we could remind them. It’s a remarkable gesture of cooperation,” said task force head Nestor Canong.
The city’s typically vibrant weekend nightlife was visibly muted, with only a handful of patrons lingering in the few venues that remained open.
Apart from the liquor ban, authorities also noted that inclement weather likely contributed to the subdued scene.
Personnel from the Philippine National Police (PNP) maintained visibility through foot and mobile patrols, ensuring compliance with the nationwide liquor ban and reinforcing the city’s peaceful pre-election atmosphere. No major incidents were reported as of early May 11.
The Comelec-mandated liquor ban, which prohibits the sale, purchase, and public consumption of alcoholic beverages in the days before the election, aims to deter alcohol-fueled disturbances and safeguard the integrity of the voting process.
City officials and law enforcement agencies praised the business community for its proactive stance and urged the public to sustain the same spirit of responsibility.
“We thank all establishments for their cooperation. Peaceful elections require not just enforcement but voluntary discipline from everyone,” Canong added./PN
