ILOILO City – Ensuring peace and order in the community is not the sole responsibility of policemen, particularly in the enforcement of the ordinance that prohibits the drinking of alcoholic beverages in open public places at night. The recent killing of Councilor Jay Treñas’ legislative staff by an inebriated man was a wakeup call to all barangay officials, according to Councilor Ely Estante.
Treñas agreed with Estante.
“The (La Paz district) police said galibot sila kag pangsaway (those staying out late and binge drinking on roadsides). But this has no follow up after they leave. Kun pwede tapos saway i-follow up dayun (by barangay officials),” said Treñas.
Treñas’ staff Jeffrey Solano was stabbed to death multiple times by a man reeking with liquor in Barangay Jereos, La Paz.
According to Estante, there were not enough policemen in every district so the assistance of barangay officials and village watchmen in keeping communities peaceful was needed.
His staff would not have died, said Treñas, “if ang access sa pag-inom sa kilid sang dalan ginpunggan naton,” he said.
Iloilo City Regulation Ordinance 2011-786 prohibits the drinking of alcoholic beverages along streets, sidewalks, alleys and open public places from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. This was enacted on Dec. 14, 2011.
The police needed the cooperation of everybody, particularly barangay officials and tanod (village watchmen), said Estante.
Under Regulation Ordinance 2011-786, it is also unlawful for any person “to loiter, wander or saunter in public places or within public view while carrying and drinking alcoholic beverage” from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m.
Regulation Ordinance 2011-786 listed the following penalties for violators:
* first offense – P500 fine or imprisonment of not more than 30 days or both fine and imprisonment upon the discretion of the court
* second offense – Pl,000 fine or imprisonment of not less than 60 days and not more than six months or both fine and imprisonment upon the discretion of the court
* third and succeeding offenses – P5,000 fine or imprisonment of not less than six months and one day but not more than one year or both fine and imprisonment upon the discretion of the court
If the violation is committed by a minor, appropriate action shall be made in accordance with the provisions of Republic Act 9344 (Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006).
Treñas also pressed for the implementation of Iloilo City Regulation Ordinance 2014-086 that created the Iloilo City Liquor Licensing and Regulatory Council (ICCLRC).
Treñas authored the ordinance. ICCLRC is an office under the City Mayor’s Office tasked to oversee, facilitate and regulate the sale and serving/dispensing of liquor or alcoholic beverages within lloilo City./PN
