‘Martial law’ imposed on Baguio’s night life

BAGUIO CITY — No more wild parties.

Reminiscent of the Martial Law era, bars here were "gagged" by the city government.

Effective Sept. 1, bars have to close at 12 midnight while establishments with "live shows" have only until 2 a.m. to operate.

The city government said this is meant to reduce the incidence of violence and criminality brought about by the "uncontrollable disposition of liquor and operation of bars, disco joints, beer gardens, nightclubs and sing-alongs."

Mayor Braulio Yaranon said the order is binding as the Tax Ordinance and Liquor Code "do not provide the time and days for the operation of amusement businesses."

Under the new order, establishments that allow dancing can operate from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. only, while bars without dancing would have to run their businesses from 3 p.m. to 12 midnight only. Liquor dealers and stores, on the other hand, can sell booze from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Yaranon warned that operators violating provisions of the order face penalties such as cancellation of their business permits or closure of the establishment.

Likewise, prohibitions on minors and prohibited days must be closely observed.

City councilor Galo Weygan, head of the city’s Anti-Vice Task Force (AVTF), a multi-agency task force, welcomed the order as this will reduce the incidence of criminality, especially during pay days when the crime rate is at its peak.

Weygan proposed a similar "gag" measure in February this year but was turned down by the City Council’s Committee on Law.

He said that a similar ordinance was passed in 1987 under Ordinance No. 2587. It was amended in 1990 through Ordinance No. 6790, which removed a curfew for establishments serving alcohol.

"There must be control over these vices and they should not be allowed to operate 24 hours," Weygan said, citing that a young man and two of his companions were attacked by unidentified assailants on Nevada Square several days ago. The young man died, while his companions, one of them — a 14-year-old out-of-school youth, are still in the hospital.

All residents and officials in Barangay Greenwater had also petitioned against the operation of bars in Nevada Square, where a foreigner and his girlfriend was caught by camera phones engaged in a sexual act.

Bar owners, however, are not happy with the order.

"Why must we suffer for the sins of other bar operators, when we operate our businesses legitimately and observe provisions of local ordinances," said an owner of a bar along Session Road.

Others had branded the move as anti-business. Councilor Elmer Datuin said that at this time the order’s impact will not be felt by the establishments because it is off-season. But when the rainy days are over, the dip in revenues will be felt, he said.

Baguio City police director Senior Superintendent Isagani Nerez, lauded Yaranon’s order, saying that it is meant to curb lawlessness in the city.