Netizens weigh in on MMDA's plan to ask Comelec to extend liquor ban

In an effort to gain support for its proposal to have the liquor ban to 45 days instead of the present 24 hours before Election Day, the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) sought netizens' views on its Facebook account.

 

Some agreed with the idea, saying this will help keep the elections peaceful and orderly. 

 

"Aminin natin na karamihan sa aksidente at kaguluhan ay dahil s pag-inom ng alak. Matagal nang nagpapayaman ang mga kompanya ng alak kaya hindi rin kawalan sa kanila ang 45 days na liquor ban. Mas maganda rin siguro kung isasabay sa 45 days liquor ban ang 45 days tax freeze sa mga alak para maging patas sa lahat," commented Vin Estoque.

 

Others suggested a shorter period, noting a 45-day liquor ban will hurt businesses.

 

"Masyadong mahaba ang 45 days, tama na 5 days before the election and 5 days after the election... para naman makapaghanapbuhay yong nagtitinda ng alak," said Jaime Cruz.

 

Some pointed out that the ban should not be on liquor, but on driving under the influence. "Hindi pati yung mga umiinom na 'di nagmamaneho ang idadamay sa katigasan ng ulo ng kakaunti," said Jon Agner.

 

Others also said that MMDA should focus on improving the traffic situation.

 

MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino said Sunday an extended liquor ban could prevent vehicular accidents as well as political debates made violent by drinking sprees.

Road accidents are the fourth leading cause of death in the country, and drunk driving is among the leading causes of road accidents, according to a report on GMA News' Ang Pinaka.

 

The MMDA said the number of road accidents due to drunk driving has increased from 2010 to 2012. In 2010, 59 road accidents were due to drunk driving. In 2011, there were 146 road accidents and in 2012, there were 51 road accidents from January to July 2012.

 

MMDA wants the the liquor ban to coincide with the election period, which started Sunday and ends June 12. It also said checkpoints set up by the Philippine National Police may be used to implement the liquor ban. — Carmela G. Lapeña, GMA News

 [Read Full Article on GMA News]