Not mandatory: Rody

Reminds city council the proposed ‘no ID, no cigarette/alcohol’ policy could be unconstitutional if made compulsory

DAVAO City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte has vowed to support the proposed “no ID, no cigarette/alcohol” policy, as long as the city council will not make it mandatory.

“I will approve it as long as it is not compulsory. If they make it mandatory, it could be unconstitutional already. Hindi mo mapilit ang tao kumuha ng ID. Only those who want it,” Duterte said in an interview at the SMX Convention Center Wednesday evening.

Duterte also advised the city council to invite school representatives and a parish priest during the public hearing to cover all issues concerning the proposed amendment to the existing Ordinance No. 064-02, which mandates minors aged 17 and below are prohibited from buying and selling cigarettes and liquors.

Duterte initially expressed opposition to the proposal, saying education is the best way to stop minors from buying, selling, and even consuming tobacco and alcoholic beverages.

He also said minors nowadays would dare to bring fake documents and identifications just to buy liquors and cigarettes.

Meanwhile, the SP committee on rules, laws and privileges chaired by Councilor Tomas Monteverde IV on Wednesday conducted its first committee hearing on the proposed amendment.

This was attended by selected business people and other government

agencies. Grace S. Frias of the City Social Services and Development Office (CSSDO) said it is about time to implement such policy since the office also find it hard to control minors from buying and selling alcohol and cigarettes.