Cops to be deployed near USJ-R Basak for liquor ban

CEBU, Philippines — In preparation for the 2025 Philippine Bar Examination this September, the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) has ordered the enforcement of a liquor ban around the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Basak Campus, the designated local testing site.

The directive follows Executive Order (EO) issued by Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival on Monday, August 27, aimed at maintaining peace and order during the three-day examination schedule: September 7 (Sunday), 10 (Wednesday), and 14 (Sunday).

Under the EO, the consumption of alcoholic beverages is strictly prohibited within a 100-meter radius of the USJ-R Basak Campus.

The liquor ban will be in effect during the following periods:

•September 6 (Saturday), 9:00 PM to September 7 (Sunday), 10:00 PM

•September 9 (Tuesday), 9:00 PM to September 10 (Wednesday), 10:00 PM

•September 13 (Saturday), 9:00 PM to September 14 (Sunday), 10:00 PM

CCPO Deputy City Director for Operations Police Lieutenant Maria Theresa Macatangay confirmed that uniformed and plainclothes officers will be deployed around the campus to ensure compliance.

“This is a pre-emptive approach sa atoang local government ug ang proposal pod nato sa Cebu City Police Office to ensure walay disruption nga mahitabo, walay kagubot na mahitabo within and the immediate preferables of the school where the bar exam will be held,” Macatangay said in an interview last week.

She added that the CCPO will also conduct Oplan Bulabog operations during the exam dates to further strengthen security measures.

Macatangay appealed to the public for cooperation, emphasizing that the goal is to avoid arrests and maintain a peaceful environment for the examinees.

“…Agi nalang mi og pahimagno sa tanan because we don’t want to cause any arrest to those that are violating this order from our city government,” she said.

The USJ-R Basak Campus is expected to host around 1,400 bar examinees.

Macatangay expressed hope that all participants will be able to complete the exam successfully from start to finish. — (FREEMAN)