During sinulog 2025: Street parties, liquor banned

CEBU, Philippines — Restrictions on entertainment, liquor, and street parties during the highly-anticipated Sinulog 2025 celebration are now in place after Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia signed an Executive Order (EO) regulating the said activities

During a press conference yesterday, Jan. 6, 2025, Garcia formally signed the order, marking the effectivity of EO 1, series of 2025, entitled "An Order Regulating Business Establishments During the Sinulog Festival 2025.”

The EO includes provisions for an Entertainment Ban, which prohibits several activities, such as concerts, shows, performances, gigs, events, and activities that involve or require the use of loudspeakers and other sound devices.

These activities are prohibited along the Solemn Procession Route and Sinulog Parade Route between 6:00 am and 8:00 pm on January 18, Saturday, and between 12:01 AM and 10:00 PM on January 19 Sunday, which is the Grand Celebration.

However, it is noted in the EO that establishments within the procession and parade routes may “host, organize, or conduct” any of the said activities beyond the prohibited period, provided that a special permit is issued by the Business Permit Licensing Office (BPLO).

The requirements for those applying for permits include a security and safety plan and an affidavit of undertaking to provide a fully-staffed medical triage.

Under the section for the Regulation of Establishments, the Cebu City Government has mandated that all businesses and establishments make their restrooms available for public use, without discriminating between paying customers and non-paying individuals intending to use the same; keep their CCTVs fully operational and submit records when required; and take responsibility for cleaning the premises and maintaining the orderliness and upkeep of their immediate surroundings during and after business operating hours.

This regulation will be in effect on January 18 and 19, 2025, which is also when street parties will be banned in Cebu City, as per the order.

“This is to ensure that public thoroughfares are free from any disruption or obstruction that may affect immediate emergency response or rescue operations and the delivery of government services, and to ensure the maintenance of public security and safety for all,” the EO reads.

Garcia, however, clarified that those who wish to hold parties within privately-owned streets are allowed, as long as they observe the mandates on the liquor and entertainment bans. He also emphasized the prohibition of street parties from establishments that may spill over onto the streets.

To ensure compliance with these details, Garcia said he had instructed the local police to set up a detention area for rowdy individuals and violators of the guidelines.

Further, the Cebu City Government has imposed a liquor ban along the processional route. The mandate includes the prohibition of the sale, distribution, and consumption of intoxicating beverages along the processional route between 6:00 AM and 8:00 PM on January 18 and within a 300-meter radius on both sides of the Sinulog Parade Route between 12:01 AM and 10:00 PM on January 19.

Garcia also noted that liquor consumption beyond the 300-meter radius is allowed, provided it is strictly within the area where the alcohol is served, whether it's commercial or residential.

In addition, the EO imposes a prohibition on the use of glass bottles and other fragile containers for all beverages within the 300-meter radius.

“So if you want to serve intoxicating drinks, do not give the bottle; put it in a paper cup and then give the cup,” said Garcia.

He also expressed confidence that the business sector would fully cooperate, noting that it is the EO of the Mayor that must be strictly implemented.

Establishments violating the provisions of the EO will be held liable, with penalties that may include the revocation of their business permits. Violations committed by individuals will be dealt with in accordance with the law.

As the Sinulog is one of the biggest and most anticipated event in the city, Garcia said the provisions of the EO will be a primary focus, with enforcement responsibilities placed on the police and other security agencies.

National figures invited

Meanwhile, Garcia also mentioned that invitations have already been extended to several national figures to grace the Sinulog, including President Bongbong Marcos. But Garcia said there is no confirmation yet if the President will attend. Invitations have also been sent to the Senate President and other senators, the Speaker of the House, Cabinet Secretaries, and the Vice President.

“Usually, for security reasons, they confirm at the last minute,” said Garcia.

Garcia reiterated that only the President, should he attend, will be given a platform to speak.

Warning versus price hike

In the same press conference, Garcia reiterated that he has already communicated verbally with the business sector to avoid irregular price hikes during the Sinulog season.

“Kasabot ko ana nga naay mga negosyante nga mu-take advantage of the situation pero hangyo lang ko to temper their increase kay total this is a Fiesta of the Senior Santo Niño,” said Garcia.

As for ambulant vendors, Garcia said he would leave the discretion to the Sinulog Foundation Inc. (SFI) on whether they will require vendors to obtain a permit., — (FREEMAN)