MANILA, Philippines??Tis the season of shopping and merry making in Taguig.

Taguig Mayor Freddie Tinga has instructed the city's business permit and licensing office (BPLO) to implement a new curfew among establishments after the city council amended an ordinance limiting business hours.

The mayor also extended the curfew on serving and selling liquor in bars, restaurants and neighborhood stores.

?Allowing businesses to extend their operating hours is only timely, given the volume of residents and guests who would want to celebrate the season in our city?s dining and entertainment spots. This will not only benefit businesses, but will also give the people more time to enjoy Christmas,? Tinga said.

For the holidays, businesses in Taguig may operate until 3:30 a.m., according to Tinga's directive. The move came after the city council amended last week the ordinance setting a curfew for establishments.

The mayor also allowed stores in Taguig to sell alcoholic beverage and liquor until 11 p.m., while restaurants and bars in the city could serve drinks until 3 a.m.

The extension took effect on Saturday last week and will end on January 15, 2009.

Last week, the city council added a provision in the ordinance on selling and serving liquor and alcoholic drinks, allowing the mayor to issue special permits extending liquor trade and business hours during ?peak seasons.?

Tinga reminded the public on the rationale of the ordinance and he asked the city police to maintain peace and order in its jurisdiction.

?We must not forget the main purpose of the ordinance, and that is to promote Taguig as a safe and secure city. We, therefore, encourage business owners to take necessary measures to ensure the safety of our residents and guests during this season,? Tinga said.