DAVAO CITY – Davao City Rep. Paolo "Pulong" Z. Duterte, along with ACT-CIS party-list Rep. Eric G. Yap, has filed House Bill (HB) No. 1753 forbidding access to alcoholic drinks by underage people.
The measure, also known as the “Anti-Underage Drinking Act,” bars those under the age of 21 and people who have physical or mental impairments from getting alcohol.
In his explanatory note, Rep. Duterte emphasized that alcohol is the third most crucial risk factor for bad health globally, contributing to an estimated 2.5 million fatalities annually, a substantial number of them young people.
Minors who commit violations for the first time will be taken to the Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) for counseling.
Second-time offenders will be required to attend two consecutive regular sessions of BCPC with their parents or guardians.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will receive third- and later-time offenders for appropriate counseling.
Businesses breaking the legislation face a P50,000 fine and owners up to three months in jail. Frequent violators will also face revocation of their license.