Muntinlupa deploys shuttles, eases liquor ban

MANILA, Philippines — The Muntinlupa City government yesterday eased its liquor ban and deployed vehicles to ferry constituents stranded due to lack of public transportation.

In a statement, the city government said it deployed two buses and a coaster to ferry commuters from Tunasan to Alabang and back from 5 a.m. to noon and from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.

A “no mask, no entry” policy and physical distancing would be strictly implemented, the government added.

The city government said it earlier mobilized 28 Hatid Serbisyo vehicles – 11 flexi-trucks, 11 e-jeepneys and six e-tricycles – to ferry frontliners and other authorized persons outside of residence.

In a separate statement, public information office chief Tez Navarro said the city council agreed to lift the liquor ban but the official legislation would be released later this week.

Beneficiaries of any financial assistance, whether given by the national or local government, may not use their cash aid to purchase any alcoholic beverage, Navarro said.

Violators shall be disqualified from any existing and future financial assistance from the government, she added.

Social drinking among people not living in the same residence would still be banned and drinking would only be allowed within the private residence of the consumer.