By I. Inojales | 10:56 AM October 08, 2026
PANGLAO, Bohol — Bars, pubs, nightclubs, karaoke and videoke bars, and similar entertainment establishments in Panglao must close by midnight under a new executive order issued by Mayor Edgardo F. Arcay.
Arcay signed Executive Order No. 44, Series of 2026, prescribing a uniform 12 midnight closing time for establishments whose principal or substantial business involves the sale of alcoholic beverages and/or nighttime entertainment.
The order covers bars, pubs, nightclubs, disco bars, cocktail lounges, karaoke/videoke establishments and other similar businesses operating in the municipality.
Under the order, covered establishments must stop operations and close to customers not later than midnight every day.
After 12 midnight, they are prohibited from admitting or entertaining customers, selling or serving alcoholic beverages, continuing live entertainment, amplified music, dancing, karaoke or videoke, and allowing customers to remain inside for continued business operations.
Arcay said the measure was issued as Panglao, a major tourism destination, seeks to maintain peace and order, public safety, cleanliness and a healthy environment for residents, workers and visitors.
The municipal government noted that late-night operations could, in certain circumstances, contribute to disturbances, excessive noise, public intoxication, traffic congestion and other incidents affecting the community.
The order also cited Municipal Ordinance No. 03, Series of 2000, or the Panglao Videoke Regulation Ordinance, which regulates videoke and similar singing devices, including operating hours and noise control.
Hotels and resorts may be exempt from the midnight closing time when providing services to registered guests, subject to applicable regulations.
Other exemptions include establishments with valid special permits for particular events, official government activities, and other establishments or circumstances specifically authorized by law or municipal ordinance.
However, any exemption does not authorize violations of regulations involving liquor, public safety, noise, fire safety, environmental protection and other applicable laws.
The order places responsibility on establishment owners, managers, operators and persons-in-charge to ensure compliance and to make sure customers leave the premises peacefully.
The Municipal Business Permits and Licensing Office, Municipal Tourism Office, Panglao police, barangay officials and other concerned agencies were directed to assist in enforcing the order.
Violations will be dealt with under existing municipal ordinances and applicable national laws. Repeated violations may also be referred to the proper office for possible administrative action involving the establishment’s business permit, subject to due process.
