MANILA Mayor Honey Lacuna declared a liquor ban in several areas in the city during the celebration of the Feast of Sto. Niño.

Revelers and devotees in areas within the territorial jurisdiction of Sto. Niño de Tondo Parish and Sto. Niño de Pandacan will not be able to buy liquor or alcoholic drinks on January 14 to 15. 

According to Lacuna’s Executive Order No. 3 issued on January 12, there will be a “ban on sale of all alcoholic beverages in the areas within the territorial jurisdiction of Sto. Niño de Tondo Parish and Sto. Niño de Pandacan.”

Drinking of alcoholic beverages and liquor in public areas is likewise prohibited, as per the local chief executive.

The imposition of the liquor ban is intended to maintain peace and order in the community as people celebrate the religious festival.

While former mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso similarly disallowed liquor sales during last year’s celebration, it seems like some members of the general public were not pleased with the incumbent mayor’s decision.

Under the Manila Public Information Office Facebook post, several netizens shared negative comments for Lacuna, calling her a “killjoy” in this year’s celebration.

The Feast of Sto. Niño is an annual religious celebration held at two Manila parishes, Sto. Niño de Tondo Parish and Sto. Niño de Pandacan.

This festivity coincides with the Sinulog Festival held in Cebu to honor one of the country’s most famous historic relics: the Santo Niño de Cebú. This statue was given to the Rajah Humabon of Cebu in 1521 by the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan.