Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla Directs PNP to Enforce Strict Public Order Measures
Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla has issued a directive to the Philippine National Police (PNP) to crack down on individuals engaging in public drinking, late-night karaoke sessions, walking topless in public, and violating curfew regulations. This initiative is part of what Remulla calls the "safer cities initiative," aimed at making communities across the Philippines more secure and less prone to disturbances.
Key Prohibitions Under the Safer Cities Initiative
Under this new enforcement drive, several activities will be strictly prohibited to maintain public order. Remulla emphasized that setting up tables on streets for drinking and becoming intoxicated are primary causes of fights and sexual harassment against women. Additionally, men are barred from walking in public without a shirt, even in hot weather, with the requirement to wear at least a sleeveless shirt or sando.
Curfew enforcement for minors will be tightened, and karaoke sessions must not extend beyond designated hours. Most local governments already impose curfews on minors from 10:00 PM to 4:00 AM, along with karaoke sessions ending by 10:00 PM. This crackdown will be implemented in key urban areas including Metro Manila, Cebu, Baguio, Bacolod, and Davao, among others.
Memorandum and Local Ordinances
Secretary Remulla announced that he will issue a memorandum mandating local government units to pass ordinances supporting the safe cities initiative. This move follows an initial enforcement in Cebu City last Friday, where approximately 400 individuals were apprehended. To enhance crime response, more police officers will be deployed to crowded areas, including schools, to reassure children and parents of their safety against criminal activities.
In a stern warning, Remulla stated, "Those who act boastfully when drunk, don't even try to show off because we will arrest you. Many become bold only when they've been drinking, so that stops now. If you get into fights at clubs or on the streets, we will jail you." He cautioned that individuals who become aggressive or cause disturbances after drinking will be arrested immediately.
Legal Penalties and Existing Laws
Violators can be penalized under Article 155 (4) of the Revised Penal Code, which addresses drunk individuals causing scandals or disturbances in public places. Penalties include arresto menor or imprisonment ranging from one to 30 days, along with fines not exceeding P40,000. Cebu City already has an ordinance for the safekeeping of drunk persons, imposing a P500 fine. However, under Remulla's directive, mere drinking on streets can lead to arrest, even without full intoxication.
Proposed Ordinances and Opposition
In Cebu City, proposed ordinances such as the "Cebu City Responsible Alcohol Service Ordinance" and the "Kingston Ralph Ordinance" aim to prevent drunk driving and violent incidents related to intoxication. These measures could prohibit the sale of alcoholic beverages to already intoxicated individuals. However, Cebu City Councilor Winston Pepito has expressed opposition, arguing that responsibility should lie with the intoxicated individuals themselves, not just the establishments selling alcohol.
The proposed ordinance was introduced following a tragic incident on February 9 in Barangay Banilad, Cebu City, where a drunk driver caused a collision resulting in the death of 23-year-old businessman Kingston Ralph Ko Cheng. Regarding late-night karaoke, Remulla noted that exemptions may be granted by barangay officials during festivals, but on ordinary days, sessions must cease by 10:00 PM out of consideration for neighbors.
