The solemnity of a wake and deep mourning for people who passed away are sometimes marred by people who get intoxicated inside funeral parlors that allow drinking of liquor and even gambling.
This was the observation of councilor Nicasio Aliping Jr., reason why he proposed an ordinance that seeks to prohibit the serving of intoxicating liquors and gambling within funeral parlors in Baguio.
“As observed in funeral parlors, drinking of liquor and gambling has been rampant, when drinking and gambling start, mourners are disturbed by noise, rudeness, and other violent reactions resulting in conflicts or troubles,” Aliping said.
The councilor said that drinking and gambling should be prohibited inside funeral parlors so that people will observe the proper wake practice and to mourn with the bereaved family members in a solemn, peaceful, and orderly manner.
In his proposed ordinance, Aliping suggested that the owner or manager of funeral parlors in Baguio that allows serving of intoxicating liquors and gambling will be penalized by a fine of P500 or imprisonment of five days or both at the discretion of the court.
“The non-compliance by the proprietor, owner, or manager of such establishment means he/she will be liable and shall be penalized by fine of P5,000 or automatic cancellation of business permit and license to operate or both upon the discretion of the court,” Aliping added.
The proposed ordinance stated that intoxicating liquors and beverages refer to whiskey, brandy, gin, rum, vodka, and other kinds of domestic and imported fermented drinks to include beer and native wines such as basi, tapuey, and lambanog.
Gambling, Aliping said, refers to betting of money.
The proposed measure has been submitted to the city secretary to be later included in the agenda of the city council.
