The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has defended its policy prohibiting the consumption of alcohol in public spaces.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla emphasized that the directive is not new, but is now being strictly enforced in barangays.
According to Remulla, the measure needs to be implemented to help make streets safer.
He added that while the police force is capable and enjoys a high trust rating, stronger measures are still necessary to ensure public safety.
He noted that disturbances, harassment, and other incidents often stem from drinking sessions held in streets.
Meanwhile, the secretary clarified that the policy does not apply only to minors, but to everyone.
In closing, he stressed that they learned from the experience in Cavite, where banning street drinking led to a decrease in the crime rate.
(PHOTO COURTESY: DILG)
