Public advised to report stores that are still selling liquor

The City Government has advised the public to report stores in Puerto Princesa that are still selling liquor despite the imposed ban.

Maria Theresa V. Rodriguez, the Business Permit and Licensing Office and Regulatory Enforcement Monitoring Unit (BPLO-REMU) chief, in an interview with Palawan Daily News (PDN) online radio Wednesday evening said many citizens are reporting to them this kind of violation.

“Nagpapasalamat tayo sa mga kababayan natin dahil concern sila sa programa at itong mga regulasyon ng ating gobyerno. Sila mismo ‘yong bumabato ng impormasyon sa pamamagitan ng Messenger natin sa Facebook at ganoon din sa ating BOSS (Business One-Stop-Shop) cellphone line at ganoon din sa ating 119,” said Rodriguez.

Rodriguez stated BPLO has the responsibility along with the City PNP, and Anti-Crime Task Force (ACTF), to monitor and enforce the liquor ban.

She said the public may report stores selling intoxicated beverages through her cellphone number 0921-613-0145 or directly send a private message to City Information Officer (CIO) Richard Ligad.

“Malinaw ang policy ng ating local government na liquor ban, ‘yan ay national policy din. Doon natin ipinattern ‘yong local policy. So may kautusan ‘yong ating city administrator na sinasabi ‘ban on liquor’,” she said.

The advisory on temporarily banning the sale and delivery of alcoholic beverages along with the regulation of liquor consumption in the city during enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) was released by the City Mayor’s Office (CMO) first week of April.

She further stated that an establishment caught violating this advisory shall be recommended for prosecution, confiscation of the alcoholic products, or may be subject to suspension of business permits and immediate closure.

“Actually marami nang inikutan ‘yong tropa natin na pang-gabi patungkol sa mga bagay na ‘yan kasi nasa looban ‘yon eh. Sana po huwag din magagalit ‘yong mga kababayan natin na medyo nasisita, nasasaway,” said Rodriguez.

She also added that barangay officials were already empowered through a new ordinance to conduct inspection on stores within their respective jurisdictions.