The Davao City Vices Regulation Unit (VRU) last year collected a total of P9,965,900 from violators of the city’s Anti-Smoking, Sobriety, and Liquor Ban Ordinances.
A huge bulk of the collection came from the fines of those who violated the city’s Anti-Smoking Ordinance amounting to P7,511,000.
In 2024, the VRU conducted 2,566 operations with 3,418 apprehensions under the city’s Anti-Smoking Ordinance.
Under the Liquor Ban Ordinance, the unit conducted 822 operations with 653 apprehensions in 2024.
As part of the implementation of the city’s Anti-Smoking Ordinance, the VRU conducts daily operations around the city.
VRU Head Hernando Las, during the ISpeak Media Forum on Thursday, said that they also conduct operations in establishments from 1 a.m. to 8 a.m. to ensure that there are no violators of the city’s Sobriety and Liquor Ban Ordinances.
He added that most of the violators of the city’s ordinances were visitors from other cities and countries who are “unaware of the existence of these ordinances.”
As of January 2025, the VRU already collected more than P1 million in fines for the violation of the Anti-Smoking, Liquor Ban, and Sobriety Ordinances.
In 2024, the VRU also conducted seminars to police officers and VRU enforcers. The unit also conducted training on smoking cessation, and produced Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials like smoking awareness boards and smoking awareness leaflets for public use.
The unit also partnered with local schools to conduct Anti-Smoking Awareness symposiums, and coordinated with the City Health Office with the Nicotine Replacement Therapy.
Barangays and private companies also received seminars on Anti-Smoking and Liquor Ban.
The City Government of Davao, through the VRU and other partner agencies including the Davao City Police Office, continues to strengthen the implementation of Anti-Smoking, Liquor Ban and Sobriety Ordinances in the city.
Dabawenyos are urged anew to comply with these ordinances.
The penalties for smoking violation are P1,000 for the first offense, P2,000 for the second offense, and P5,000 and imprisonment, according to the discretion of the court, for the third offense.
For Liquor Ban violation, the penalties are P3,000 for the first offense, P5,000 for the second offense, and P5,000 plus imprisonment, according to the discretion of the court, for the third offense. CIO
