Makati bans public drinking

MANILA, Philippines — The city of Makati has issued a city ordinance prohibiting the drinking of liquor outside the residence during a pandemic or a state of calamity starting on July 14.

The ban would “prevent situations that could further endanger lives during a crisis,” Mayor Abby Binay said in a statement yesterday.

Ordinance No. 2020-152 came roughly a week after 113 persons, including celebrity KC Montero and his wife, were arrested by authorities at a bar in Barangay Bel-Air.

“Drinking in the confines of one’s own home is safer, but it’s best to avoid drinking altogether during a crisis,” she said.

First-time violators would be fined P5,000. Repeat offenders would be jailed for not more than a month (for a second offense) and not more than a year (for subsequent offenses) and fined P5,000.

The ordinance also bans drinking liquor in stores and other establishments where the product was purchased.

Tenants and guests at hotels, motels, apartments, apartelles, bed and breakfast, transient houses, dormitories and bed spaces would be allowed to drink only in their own rooms or accommodations.

The city government will also crack down restaurants hosting on private dining and drinking parties.

Minors caught violating the ordinance for the first time would be placed in the custory of the barangay or authorized social worker and turned over to their parent or guardian.

The erring minors and their parents would be required to undergo a seminar and failure to comply will cause the suspension of benefits from the city government.

For subsequent offenses, the parent or guardian will be fined P5,000, jailed for not more than one month or both.

Meanwhile, the city of Muntinlupa placed Buildings 1 and 7 of the Filinvest Socialized Housing complex in Barangay Alabang under a 15-day enhanced localized community quarantine starting yesterday.

City health officer Dr. Tet Tulia said the two buildings have a total of 15 active cases with a narrow doubling time of 1.89 days. The standard rate of transmission should be at about seven to 30 days, she said.