MANILA, Philippines - The Commission on Elections (Comelec) extended May's two-day election liquor ban to five days.
Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes, Jr. told reporters on Wednesday that alcohol will be banned from May 9 leading to the national elections day on May 13.
Brillantes said the prohibition should help prevent alcohol-induced crimes and incidents during preparations for the local and national mid-term polls.
Liquor Ban will now be from 9 to 13 May 2013, per COMELEC Minute Resolution 13-0322. #fyi #votervigilance
— COMELEC (@COMELEC) March 13, 2013
Comelec granted the extended ban as requested by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) last January.
According to Comelec Minute Resolution 13-0322, drinking, purchasing and selling intoxicating liquids are prohibited especially in public places.
Establishments accredited by the Department of Tourism such as five-star hotels, however, are exempted from the said ban.