BENGUET Representative Eric Yap and Davao Representative Paolo Duterte are batting for the increase of the minimum legal drinking age from 18 to 21.
Yap and Duterte filed House Bill No. 1753 on Monday to prevent “unqualified individuals” from buying alcohol or alcoholic beverages, as well as prevent others from buying alcohol and alcoholic beverages for them.
Under the proposal, unqualified individuals include those aged below 21 and those who are above 21 “but are unable to fully take care of themselves or protect themselves from abuse, neglect, cruelty, exploitation or discrimination because of a physical or mental disability or condition.”
Under the proposal, young individuals who violate the measure will be sent for counseling before the Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) on their first offense and second offense, while a third and subsequent offense would see the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) step in.
All other individuals violating the provisions of the proposal would be subject to a P50,000 fine and potential revocation of business license and permit.
