PARKING areas, although in a private property, are public places in character, the Regulatory and Complaint Board (RCB) insists, as debates on the prohibition of drinking liquor in public areas continue, following the operation of RCB in Cagayan Town Center (CTC) over the weekend.

Lawyer Edgardo Uy, RCB chairperson, said they are unfazed as some raised questions on the operations of the RCB in business establishments, to implement city ordinances on the prohibition of drinking in public places and barring minors from entering drinking establishments.

Uy said public place is defined as a generally indoor or outdoor area, whether privately or publicly owned, to which the public have access by right or by invitation, expressed or implied, whether by payment of money or no.

He also cited Executive Order No. 26 of issued by the President of Republic of the Philippines on May 16 2017 defines public place to mean “all places, fixed or mobile, that are accessible or open to the public or places for collective use, regardless of ownership of right to access, including but not limited to schools...establishments that provide food and drinks”.

Uy said drinking establishments will also be required to get a permit for bar in a parking lot, just like what the CTC has put up.

The CTC management willingly complied with the regulations, Uy said. In its Facebook page, CTC announced they will not allow liquor in the parking lot, but shall continue its “Car Tambay” gimmick.

The RCB reminds similar establishments to follow the regulations to maintain a peaceful and safe city.

The public is also advised not to engage or risk facing punishment of four-month imprisonment or a fine worth P1,500.

Meanwhile, Antonio Resma, RCB inspectorate team leader, will press charges against a person interviewed in a vlog, cursing Resma after the operation at CTC.

Resma said he has already identified the guy who will likely face violation of Section 18, Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code which states that, any person who by the same means, or by words, utterances or speeches shall encourage disobedience to the law or to the constituted authorities or praise, justify, extol an act is punishable by law.

The person will face a fine ranging from P40,000 to P200,000 and a maximum of six-month imprisonment.

RCB chairperson Uy said, they will not tolerate foul language and arrogance from those who are hit by the regulations.

“The guy who commented ‘Fuck you Resma’ went overboard and should be held accountable for his utterances. I understand Mr. Antonio Resma Jr will take legal action against the guy and we will support him all the way”.