Only two Boracay bars apply for Comelec exemption

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has expressed disappointment on the apparent failure of several bar owners in this resort island to apply for liquor ban exemption for the forthcoming midterm election.
Aklan Provincial Election Supervisor Lawyer Robert Salazar said only two bars have so far applied for exemption to their firm as of April 22.
"Because of this, we may be forced to go to Boracay and conduct a campaign among the stakeholders there wishing to be exempted from the liquor ban," Salazar said.
He added that although the Comelec had set deadline for the exemption,he expressed hopes the bar owners would be responsible enough to apply at their office in preparation for the election.
The liquor ban is expected to take effect on May 9 and will end midnight of May 13 subject to a Comelec resolution.
Establishments accredited by the Department of Tourism (DOT) were already considered exempted from the liquor ban.
Earlier, the Comelec warned that it will strictly enforce liquor ban to this resort island and will penalize violators without exemption.