MANILA, Philippines - The Metro Manila Development Authority today made good on its plan to ask the Commission on Elections to expand the coverage of the liquor ban imposed on election day and the day before.

MMDA lawyer Cris Saruca filed the petition with the offices of the commissioners today on behalf of MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino.

Tolentino wants the liquor ban imposed 45 days ahead of the elections.

In his letter, the MMDA chief said: "The unfettered consumption of alcoholic beverages nationwide especially during this period does not aid in the intelligent discussion of election issues by our citizens. In addition, records of the MMDA indicate huge number of road accidents, causing deaths, injuries and damage to properties: 59 in 2010, 146 in 2011 and 95 in 2012."

Saruca said Tolentino is willing to discuss the proposal in a proper forum.

The MMDA said exemptions given by the existing regulations should stay namely: hotels and establishments duly certified by the Department of Tourism as tourism-oriented and habitually in the process of catering to foreign tourists, provided they serve a prior written authority upon showing that there are justifiable reasons.

Currently, Batas Pambansa 881 limits the liquor ban only to election day and the day before.

Tolentino, however, argued that under the Constitution and the Omnibus Election Code, the Comelec has the power to expand the coverage of the liquor ban.