Business joints warned: No parties, liquor during Sinulog

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City government has warned all establishments of the strict implementation of the liquor and entertainment ban on Sunday.

Councilor David Tumulak, who also sits as chairman of Sinulog Foundation Inc.-Executive Committee, said the city has already rejected one application of an establishment which would have wanted to hold an event on Sunday.

“Strictly wala gyud event sa Sinulog route, wala ta nihatag og permit sa isa ka establishment kay duol ra siya sa route,” he told reporters.

Tumulak said there are approved concerts in five areas outside the parade route, saying that partygoers may still enjoy the festivities starting today until Sunday.

On January 20, the prohibited activities include concerts, shows, performances, gigs, events, street parties, and activities using loud speakers along the Sinulog Grand Parade route, procession route, and Escario Street.

The Sinulog Grand Parade will start from Imus Road to Gen. Maxilom Avenue, to Fuente Osmeña, down to Osmeña Boulevard and then to the Cebu City Sports Center.

Mayor Tomas Osmeña, for the second time, issued an executive order that requires establishments that will hold activities outside the route and along Escario Street to secure special permit with the endorsement from Cebu City Transportation Office, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, office of Tumulak, and Office of the Mayor.

The mayor threatened to close for one year any establishment caught violating the liquor and entertainment ban.

Executive Order No. 44 also prohibits selling and drinking liquors along the parade route from 6 a.m. of January 20 to 6 a.m. of January 21.

“The liquor ban shall also apply in Escario Street starting from the Provincial Capitol Building up to the intersection of Gorordo Avenue as the road serves as a crucial alternative route for vehicles during Sinulog,” read a portion of the EO.

“Gituyo nato nga outside the parade route ug sa mga malls ang concerts para naay maka augment sa security kay aside sa police, naa may mga blue guards ang malls,” Tumulak said.

“Ato gyud gi prioritize ang safety sa Cebuanos, mga tourists ug mga bisita nato ug ma enjoy ang festivities,” he added.

Tumulak said he is hoping that all establishments along the parade route will follow the liquor and entertainment ban to ensure the safety of all spectators. — FPL (FREEMAN)