QC Classes Suspended, Liquor Ban for 2025 SONA
Quezon City Implements Liquor Ban Ahead of President’s SONA
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Quezon City, Philippines - In planning for the upcoming state of the Nation Address (SONA) of the President of the Republic of the Philippines, Quezon City has enacted a temporary liquor ban.The executive order, issued on July 21, aims to bolster security and maintain public order during the notable national event.
Comprehensive Security Measures Rolled Out
The Office of the City Mayor, under Mayor Joy Belmonte, has mandated a strict implementation of security measures across the city. This directive tasks various local government units and law enforcement agencies with ensuring compliance and public safety.
Key Implementing Agencies
The executive order specifically designates the following offices to assist in the implementation and enforcement of the security measures:
The Philippine National police (PNP)
The City Department of Public Order and Safety
The City Traffic and Transport Department
The City Task Force Disiplina
* All other authorized implementing offices
These entities are tasked with adopting and strictly implementing security protocols to safeguard the SONA proceedings and the general public.
Liquor Ban Details and Rationale
The liquor ban is set to take effect from 12:01 a.m. until 6 p.m. The rationale behind this measure, as outlined in Executive Order No. 9,is to mitigate potential disturbances caused by intoxication.
Preventing Public Disorder
According to the executive order, “the residents and visitors of Quezon City might potentially be affected by acts of caused by intoxication, which could negatively impact the peace and order of the community and the general public.” The ban is therefore a proactive step to ensure a peaceful and orderly surroundings during the President’s address.
The implementing offices are also empowered to “penalize violators of the same,” underscoring the seriousness of the order.
Nationwide security Preparations for SONA
The quezon City liquor ban is part of broader security preparations across the nation for the President’s SONA, scheduled for July 28. The Philippine National Police (PNP) has announced the deployment of approximately 12,000 personnel. PNP chief General Nicolas Torre III stated that an advance team would be deployed on July 26, with full deployment commencing on july 27 and continuing into the early hours of July 28.
Austere SONA Amidst Weather Challenges
In a notable shift towards austerity, House Secretary General Reginald Velasco issued a memo urging for a more subdued holding of the SONA. This directive comes in light of the impact of Tropical Cyclones Crising, Dante, Emong, and the ongoing Southwest Monsoon (habagat) on the contry. The memo explicitly states, “There will be no staged ceremonies, fashion coverage, or photo setups in the red carpet area.” Members of the House of Representatives are also encouraged to “avoid ostentatious displays and exercise discretion in their wardrobe choices.”
The Senate,following suit,will also forgo the traditional red carpet for the opening of the 20th Congress,as confirmed by Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero.
Weather outlook and Disaster Impact
several regions of the Philippines are still recovering from the effects of recent storms, which have brought days of heavy rainfall.The cumulative death toll from Tropical Cyclones Crising, Dante, Emong, and the Southwest Monsoon has reached 25 as of Friday morning. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Governance (PAGASA) forecasts cloudy skies with rain over parts of the country, including Metro Manila, on the day of the SONA. A state of calamity has been declared in 84 cities and municipalities, highlighting the widespread impact of the recent weather disturbances.