THE Commission on Elections reminded both the public and the candidates that a liquor ban will take effect and campaigning will be prohibited starting on Sunday, May 8.
Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said that starting on May 8 until May 9, Election Day, selling, offering, buying, serving, or taking intoxicating liquor is prohibited under the Omnibus Election Code.
“Just keep yourselves safe, and be practical. That is two nights: the day before elections and Election Day,” he said.
Under the OEC, it is prohibited to offer, buy, serve or take intoxicating liquor on the day before the election or on Election Day.
Those that may be exempted are hotels and other establishments duly certified by the Department of Tourism as “tourist-oriented” and “habitually in the business of catering to foreign tourists” provided that they secure exemption from the poll body.
At the same time, Jimenez reminded candidates that campaign activities are already prohibited starting Sunday until Monday.
“The day before election, there should be no more campaigning,” he added. “The last day of campaigning is May 7.”
Republic Act 7166 states that the campaign period shall exclude the day before the day of the election.
Violating election laws is considered as an election offense, which carries the penalty of one to six years imprisonment, removal of right to vote, and disqualification to hold public office.