SC stops Comelec’s extended liquor ban

MANILA, Philippines – The Supreme Court on Wednesday stopped the implementation of the extended liquor ban from May 9 to 11.

High Court Spokesman Theodore Te said the temporary restraining order was issued following the petition filed by Food and Beverage Incorporated and International Wines and Spirits Association, Inc. questioning Commission on Elections’ Minute Resolution No. 13-0322.

The group said Comelec acted in excess of its jurisdiction when it modified the what was stated under Section 261 of the Omnibus Election Code which prohibits, among others the selling, furnishing, offering, buying, serving or taking intoxicating liquor on the day before the election or on election day.

At the same time, the high court gave Comelec up to May 9 at 5 p.m. to answer the petition filed by the Food and Beverage Inc. and International Wines and Spirits Association Inc.

Aside from the temporary restraining order on liquor ban extension, the high court earlier stopped the implementation on the cap on airtime of political advertisements.

The high court also stopped the Comelec from ordering the Bacolod Diocese from removing the Team Patay, Team Buhay posters, reinstating Imus Cavite Mayor Emmanuel Maliksi and ordering a recount, tossing back to them the screening of the already disqualified partylist groups.