Philippines bans money, alcohol ahead of next week elections

MANILA: The Philippines yesterday banned people from carrying large amounts of cash and buying alcohol in controversial efforts to curb rampant vote-buying and violence before elections next week.

The shock money ban means banks are not allowed to hand over more than 100,000 pesos (US$ 2,400) to customers until after Monday’s mid- term elections, the Commission on Elections announced.

The commission’s directive also makes it illegal for anyone to carry more than half a million pesos in cash until polls close.

“We’re trying to prevent the circulation of cash, which can be used for vote- buying,” its chief Sixto Brillantes told reporters.

However the ban, which had been kept secret to ensure corrupt politicians and their aides did not withdraw large amounts of money beforehand, sparked outrage from business groups and even other branches of government.

The central bank described the ruling as “unsound” and illegal, saying it violated laws guaranteeing the secrecy of bank accounts.

Meanwhile, ordinary voters were facing the prospect of a long break from alcohol, after the election commission extended a ban that is traditionally enforced for two days before elections to five days.

Selling and drinking alcohol in public is banned until Tuesday morning. — AFP