DAVAO CITY – The city government of Davao is dead serious on its commitment to safeguard its people from the onslaught of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic now that most of the country is classified under general community quarantine (GCQ). Recently, the government declined the request of San Miguel Corporation, a food and beverage giant, to sell alcoholic drinks in the city.
During her interview over FM 87.5, the Davao City Disaster Radio, Thursday, Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said she received a letter from the company requesting for the resumption of selling their alcoholic products while the quarantine is easing out. A number of cities in Metro Manila have expressed willingness to lift the ban on the sale of liquor on June 1 when the GCQ takes effect in the metropolis citing economic reasons for doing so.
The national government had imposed a continuing ban on the sale of liquor and other alcoholic beverages in the country since the lockdown, to curb the spread of the disease. Medical experts believe that activities that tend to put together many people in one place is a sure formula for massive virus transmission.
Mayor acknowledged the contribution of the food and beer giant company in the government’s response against the pandemic but she could not approve their request yet due to the rising number of Covid-19 cases in the city. “We are thankful for their help. You know what, we have distributed so many chickens donated by San Miguel Corporation, but unfortunately, our hands are tied,” she said in the vernacular.
Under the extended GCQ in the city until June 15, the 24/7 ban on liquor would remain in effect but she said “you can always consume it inside your house if you have remaining stocks but you cannot buy and you cannot sell,” she further said.
