Davao City – Davao City’s 24-hour liquor ban stays as the general community quarantine (GCQ) classification of the city is extended until April 30 but Davao City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte said they have been thinking about creating a balance that would meet all the needs of stakeholders without sacrificing the basic public minimum health standards.
Mayor Duterte, during the Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) Special Hours program on April 12, said, “Isa pud ni sa mga ginahuna-hunaan kung unsaon ba na ma-cater nato ang gusto sa mga tawo ng makapalit og alak nga dili sila magtapok og pagkahuman makanegosyo gihapon atong mga businessmen. Kana atong ginahuna-hunaan unsaon pagbalanse.”
She cited her friend who complained about Manila’s liquor ban, questioning its connection with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
The mayor said that if alcoholic beverages are available in sari-sari stores, people would buy and gather together.
“100 percent sure jud na basta available sya within reach diha sa sari-sari store, paghuman trabaho pag-abot sa balay, manawag gyud na og shotting, human nature na. Pag magtapok ang mga tawo, maganahan si Covid kay mag-ambak-ambak sya sa mga participant nga nagtapok tungod sa inom,” she explained.
Duterte reiterated validated reports on confirmed COVID-19 positive patients who contracted the virus during drinking sprees.
She added, “Unsaon makainom nga dili magtapok, isa na sa atong ginahuna-huna paunsa nato sya mabalanse.”
The city’s 24-hour liquor ban in all public places, according to her Executive Order (E.O.) 12 and 12-A, shall take effect until May 31. (City Information Office | Michael Manguhig, RPN DXKT Davao OIC)