The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) in Palawan has reminded the public about the liquor ban that will be enforced on May 11 and 12 in connection with the 2025 National and Local Elections.
This is based on COMELEC Resolution No. 11057 (Rules and Regulations on the Liquor Ban in connection with the May 12, 2025 National and Local Elections), which strictly prohibits the purchase, sale, and consumption of any alcoholic beverages one day before the election and on election day itself.
The implementation of the liquor ban will begin at exactly 12:01 a.m. on Sunday, May 11, one day before the polls, and will end at 12:01 a.m. on May 13.
Any individual caught violating this law may face imprisonment ranging from one to six years, loss of voting rights, and disqualification from holding public office. Those caught selling alcohol during the ban may also face fines and possible imprisonment.
COMELEC Palawan Election Supervisor Atty. Percival Mendoza said the liquor ban is being enforced to ensure that all voters are in proper condition on election day and to prevent any incidents that may disrupt the electoral process.
“We must ensure that on the election day, Filipinos must be in their sound mind kaya bawal ang intoxicating drinks para sa halalan. It is 24 hours before election day and the election day itself on May 12. Pagdating ng 12:01 midnight sa election day, it’s technically May 13, pwede na ulit kasi wala nang pinaghahandaan. Under the influence of intoxicating liquors kasi ay pwede ‘yan mag-create ng gulo. Kaya kung walang karga ng alak o impluwensya ng alak ay mababa ang chances na may manggulo,” said Atty. Mendoza.
Meanwhile, COMELEC clarified that the liquor ban applies only to Filipinos and does not include foreign tourists, particularly those on vacation in Palawan.
There are exemptions for establishments, but owners of bars, restaurants, hotels, and similar businesses must have secured a permit from the COMELEC office in order to legally serve alcohol to foreign guests and avoid penalties.
“Kailangan may proper permit at nagbibigay po tayo ng permit [establishments] ukol sa bagay na ‘yan pero natapos na po ang deadline noong May 5. That was the last day to file the exemption on the liquor ban doon sa mga establishment owners with a condition na the liquors will be served only to foreigners and if mukhang Filipino ay magre-require ng passport,” the election official added.
In addition, both the City and Provincial PNP have also issued their own reminders to the public about the liquor ban, which starts this Sunday, assuring strict enforcement and urging citizens to comply.
