QC imposes liquor ban ahead of Marcos’ 2026 SONA;

MANILA, Philippines - Quezon City will implement a temporary liquor ban on July 27, 2026 to bolster security and maintain public order during President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the Batasang Pambansa.Mayor Ma. Josefina Belmonte signed Executive Order (EO) 24, Series of 2026, directing a citywide prohibition on the sale, serving, and consumption of alcoholic beverages from 12:01 a.m. until 6 p.m. on SONA day.The order said the measure was intended to prevent disturbances and other incidents linked to intoxication that could disrupt peace and order as thousands of government officials, protesters, supporters, media workers, and security personnel converge in Quezon City.Belmonte cited the Local Government Code, which empowers local government units to adopt measures necessary to protect the welfare and safety of residents and the general public.The mayor said the influx of people around the Batasang Pambansa Complex and nearby areas during the President's annual address required heightened precautionary measures.The Philippine National Police, the Quezon City Department of Public Order and Safety, the City Traffic and Transport Department, City Task Force Disiplina, and other authorized offices were directed to strictly enforce the liquor ban.Authorities were also ordered to penalize violators in accordance with existing laws and city regulations.The executive order contains a separability clause, ensuring that if any provision is declared invalid, the remaining provisions will continue to be in force.It also repeals or modifies previous orders, circulars, and directives that are inconsistent with the new policy.EO24 took effect immediately upon its signing on July 22, 2026, and will remain in force until the liquor ban expires at 6 p.m. on July 27.The annual SONA is expected to draw heightened security around the Batasang Pambansa as President Marcos outlines his administration's legislative agenda and key policy priorities before Congress.In compliance with Belmonte's EO 24, the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) said that it would strictly enforce the citywide liquor ban on Monday, July 27, as part of heightened security measures for the SONA of the President.Under the directive of QCPD Director Brig. Gen. Randy Glenn Silvio, the liquor ban will be in effect from 12:01 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. throughout Quezon City.