The situation, in brief
Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso on Monday, January 5, announced a series of measures aimed at ensuring safety, order, and solemnity during the Feast of the Black Nazarene on January 9. Domagoso signed Executive Order No. 1, Series of 2026, suspending work in all Manila city…
Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso on Monday, January 5, announced a series of measures aimed at ensuring safety, order, and solemnity during the Feast of the Black Nazarene on January 9.
Domagoso signed Executive Order No. 1, Series of 2026, suspending work in all Manila city government offices and classes at all levels in both public and private schools on January 9.
The Mayor said the suspension is intended to allow devotees to fully participate in the annual Traslacion, which draws millions of pilgrims to the capital each year.
Under the order, frontline services such as peace and order, public services, traffic enforcement, disaster risk reduction, and health services will continue operations.
The suspension of work in national government offices and private companies in Manila, however, will be left to the discretion of their respective managements.
Domagoso also signed Executive Order No. 2, Series of 2026, imposing a liquor ban on January 9 within a 500-meter radius of Quiapo Church and along the Traslacion route.
The order prohibits the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages in the covered areas to help maintain peace and order and respect the solemn nature of the religious event.
The Manila Police District (MPD) and other law enforcement agencies were directed to strictly enforce the liquor ban throughout the duration of the celebration.
In a separate issuance, Executive Order No. 3, Series of 2026, Domagoso declared a total ban on the manufacture, sale, distribution, and use of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices from January 8 to 9 within the city.
The firecracker ban is meant to prevent injuries, fires, and other hazards during the Black Nazarene festivities, which involve massive crowds and long procession routes.
Domagoso cited national laws and a 2023 Department of the Interior and Local Government memorandum encouraging local governments to restrict firecracker use to permitted community displays.
All three executive orders take effect immediately upon approval, with copies to be furnished to Malacañang pursuant to the Local Government Code of 1991.
