Manila bans liquor, fireworks during traslacion

MANILA, Philippines — Alcoholic beverages, firecrackers and fireworks will be banned in Manila during the traslacion or the annual procession of the Black Nazarene on Jan. 9, the city government announced yesterday.

The liquor ban will be in effect from Jan. 8 to 10, based on Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan’s Executive Order No. 1 Series of 2024.

The sale of alcoholic drinks will be prohibited within a 500-meter radius of Quiapo Church and St. John the Baptist Church, she said.

Lacuna-Pangan also ordered a ban on the use, sale, manufacture and distribution of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices in Manila from Jan. 8 to 9, according to her Executive Order No. 2 Series of 2024.

Both issuances sought to “promote peace and order” and “maintain the sanctity of the celebration and minimize, if not totally avoid, injuries to all who will attend the Feast of the Black Nazarene.”

The city government also advised motorists to avoid using roads that would be part of the route of the traslacion, which usually lasts almost an entire day.

Portions of Bonifacio Drive, Katigbak Drive, South Drive, Roxas Boulevard, P. Burgos street, Finance Road, Ma. Orosa street, Taft Avenue, Romualdez street, Ayala Boulevard, Carlos Palanca street, P. Casal street, Legarda street, Quezon Boulevard and the westbound lane of España Boulevard will be closed from 9 p.m. on Jan. 8 until Jan. 9.

The local government added that motorists should consider other routes when going in and out of Manila during the annual procession, which is being held for the first time in three years due to the COVID pandemic.