Four council committees to review basis for ‘tambay’ arrests in Oro

By LITO RULONA
Correspondent .

VICE Mayor Raineir Joaquin Uy tasked four city council committees to review the City Ordinance 5133-95 that is being used by the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office in arresting the “tambay” because of numerous complaints.

The ordinance, which prohibits binge drinking in specified public places unless approved by the mayor or barangay chairpersons, would be reviewed by the city council’s committees on police, fire and public safety; trade, commerce and industry; health; and social responsibility.

Uy said the committees are to submit recommendations on the possible amendment of the 1995 ordinance, noting that the police failed to establish strong cases against the arrested “tambay” here since last week.

Councilor Romeo Calizo said the word “tambay” has a broad meaning and in Cagayan de Oro, “there is no law against the tambay.”

“There is no such thing as an anti-tambay ordinance. Nagtindog ka lang diha dakpon kana dayun,” Calizo said.

Councilor George Goking said a number of convenience stores have complained because their clients were arrested after buying intoxicating drinks from the establishments.

Goking said the police  should check with the store owners or representatives first to know whether or not they have permits to sell intoxicating drinks.

“If they have permits, then they may allow their customers to drink in the property being occupied by the stores, and there is no reason for the police to arrest people there,” Goking said.

“Puwede man ikaw makapalit og mga ilimnon sa maong mga tindahan ug walay katungod ang mga police sa pagdakop or invite kanimo for investigation,” he said.