During Sinulog: Osmeña mulls shutting down business at night

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña is eyeing the possibility of limiting the operation of all business establishments along the Sinulog parade route next year to ensure peaceful and orderly celebration.

Learning from the experience this year, the mayor observed that revelers start drinking soon after the parade because business establishments are open. Osmeña said that to prevent people from drinking and becoming unruly, he is planning to shut down all business establishments along the parade route at 7:30 p.m.

"We have to be creative, proper balance. We have to allow people in their livelihood at the same time maintaining the peace and order," the mayor said.

He explained that he is not in favor of shutting down business establishments during Sinulog Grand Parade just for the sake of shutting down.

"I could see the crowd, naay gamay nga badlongon but most of them were not they were just happy-happy. At the moment they start hearing the music it become the Sinulog beat, one beat one move at the same time, it's like a science fiction movie ba, the crowd is already affected of some hidden sound waves, they all start moving in the same rhythm and they start cheering," he added.

Osmeña said it would not be fair for business owners if he will not allow them to do business during Sinulog. However, the hours of operation should be regulated.

The mayor said this is on top of his plan to also ban the sale of liquor along the parade route. Osmeña vowed to stay in the parade route next Sinulog so he could immediately respond to any situation.

During the last Sinulog, the city government did not allow street parties. However, at least 17 establishments were caught violating the policy. The mayor has already instructed the City Legal Office to issue show cause order to these establishments why their permits should not be cancelled for violating the National Building Code.

These establishments reportedly used their parking lots as extension of their business to accommodate more customers. (FREEMAN)