Businessmen and workers in the tourist town of Panglao have issued an open letter appealing to Mayor Edgardo “Boy” Arcay and other local officials over a policy requiring their businesses to close at 12 midnight.
Arcay has since said the order includes exemptions and a period for establishments to comply before it is fully implemented.
The letter, headlined “WE SURVIVED. NOW LET US RECOVER,” was released by business owners and workers, including those in bars, pubs and the nightlife industry, as well as musicians and DJs. It conveys their grievances to the local government over the closure rule, which they refer to as the “12 Midnight Closure.”
The group said they endured hardships for several months, including low income, rising expenses and uncertainty. They said they are only now beginning to recover because tourists are returning.
For bars, pubs, musicians, DJs and other nightlife workers, they said, 12 midnight is the prime hour of their livelihood, not the time to end their day.
The letter said the businessmen understand the government’s desire for peace and safety.
They urged the local government to implement proper regulation and noise control and to penalize only irresponsible establishments.
They pleaded that the entire tourism industry that sustains Panglao should not be destroyed because of problems that can be solved through responsible regulation and fair rules.
In an official statement Oct. 8, 2026, Mayor Arcay addressed public and business concerns about Executive Order No. 44, Series of 2026.
The order sets the operating hours of bars, pubs, nightclubs and similar entertainment establishments.
The mayor acknowledged that Panglao is a tourism town where such businesses provide a major livelihood and support the local economy.
He asked residents, business owners, tourism stakeholders and members of the entertainment industry to read and understand the entire order before drawing conclusions about its implementation.
Arcay said Section 5 of the order provides exemptions.
These include hotels and resorts serving their registered guests, establishments with a valid special permit for particular events or activities, official government activities and other circumstances permitted by law or ordinance.
He said Section 9 provides for information and awareness activities and a reasonable compliance period for establishments before the order is fully implemented.
Arcay said the local government does not intend to abruptly close or disrupt businesses and entertainment establishments in the town.
He said officials will first carry out information dissemination, give establishments copies of the order and allow them enough time to comply and have their questions clarified.
The mayor said the order does not aim to hinder the tourism and entertainment industry in Panglao, which he noted is a large part of residents’ livelihood and the local economy.
He said the goal is to find the right balance between an active business and entertainment sector and the peace, safety and well-being of residents and visitors.
He asked everyone to understand the whole order and allow the proper process to proceed before drawing conclusions.
Arcay said the municipal government is ready to listen, is open to dialogue and will implement the order in a fair and responsible manner.