The Valenzuela city government announced on Saturday, Oct. 28, that it will be implementing a liquor ban starting Oct. 29 to Nov. 2, for the peaceful and orderly conduct of Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) and the observance of “Undas 2023.”

Through  City Ordinance No. 1134, the local government will prohibit the sale, purchase, and consumption of alcoholic beverages in city barangays where cemeteries are located starting 5 a.m. on Oct. 31 until 11:59 p.m. on Nov. 2.

This include sari-sari and convenience stores in the barangays with burial sites.

It said that it will also follow the nationwide liquor ban for BSKE on Oct. 29-30. 

The ban will be implemented through City Ordinance No. 1134, Series of 2023, which issues guidelines to ensure a safe commemoration of All Saints’ Day and All Souls' Day in Valenzuela.

The ordinance is part of the city’s “Ligtas Undas 2023,” which, according to Valenzuela City Mayor Weslie “Wes” Gatchalian, aims to maintain peace and order during the commemoration of the events.

Through the ordinance, the local government also reminded residents and cemetery visitors on the prohibition of the usage of sound-amplifying equipment like radio players, stereos, and kareoke machines; flying drones; gambling; bringing of flammable chemicals and bladed weapons or sharp objects like knives inside burial sites, columbaria, and memorial parks as well as the barangays where they are located.

Vendors will be allowed to operate in areas outside public cemeteries that are allotted for them, the local government said.

“Ang pagtitinda naman po sa mga pampribadong sementeryo ay depende na lamang po sa desisyon at alituntunin ng kanilang mga pamunuan (Selling in private cemeteries depends on the decision and rules of their management),” Gatchalian said.

According to the city government, individuals who will be caught violating the ordinance for the first offense will be fined P1,000 or 24-hour community service.

Those apprehended for the second time will have to settle a P3,000 fine or a 48-hour community service, while P5,000 or 72-hour community service will be imposed on third-time offenders.

It said that businesses that violate the ordinance for the first time will be fined P5,000. A P10,000 fine will be imposed on those caught for their second offense.

The establishments’ business permits will also be suspended until their violations are settled.

Meanwhile, businesses who were apprehended for third offense will be fined P15,000 and their business permits will be cancelled.

Gatchalian said that they will also set up help desks or command centers in public cemeteries which will be manned by city police officers, city health and rescue personnel, and Philippine Red Cross volunteers to assist residents and visitors in need. Portalets will also be placed inside the cemeteries.

The mayor also said they will share on their official Faebook page a traffic advisory to guide motorists passing through Valenzuela City’s roads during Undas.

The city government also reminded those who will visit the cemeteries to lock the doors and windows before leaving t their homes; unplug appliances; ensure that important valuables are kept safe; and refrain from posting on social media the places where they are going.

“Nawa ay maging ligtas at mapayapa ang papgdiriwang natin ng Undas ngayong taon (I hope that our commemoration of Undas this year will be safe and peaceful),” Gatchalian said.

In line with the national government’s Memorandum Circular No. 38, the city government offices will operate under a work- from-home setup, while public schools will conduct asynchronous classes.

Suspension of classes and work in private schools and companies will be upon the discretion of their respective managements, the local government said.