Erap to study curfew, liquor ban

MANILA, Philippines – Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada is giving himself one month to study the implementation of a curfew for minors as well as a liquor ban.

In a telephone interview with The STAR yesterday, Estrada said he may come out with a decision on imposing a curfew before the end of July.

“I am more concerned with the working students and those young people who are vending products with their parents,” he said.

Estrada said that he cannot support the issuance of “passes” because it might just be used for corruption.

“Passes, like what was implemented during the martial law years, may just be sold by the people releasing it. It could easily be illegally reproduced and it will just be a source of corruption,” Estrada said.

Estrada said that banning drinking in public places, like on the sidewalk and along the street, also needs further study, citing that some bars in Ermita and other tourist spots serve liquor on the sidewalk.

“We need to know its effect on tourist spots. In the case of smoking ban, there are designated areas for smoking in business establishments. China, Hong Kong and Singapore have designated areas for smoking,” he said.

The city government has neither implemented curfew hours for minors nor has it banned the public consumption of liquor and tobacco.