THE 20th City Council of Davao has updated the ordinance banning public urination and defecation, introducing new penalties for violators.
Proposed by Councilor Jesus Joseph P. Zozobrado III, the updated ordinance was approved on December 10, 2024, in its third and final reading at the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
Under Section 3 of the ordinance, violators will face a P500 fine and may be imprisoned for up to 10 days, or both, depending on the court's discretion. Those who choose not to contest the violation may pay a P200 penalty to the City Treasurer’s Office within three days of apprehension, with the "no contest" option available only once (Section 4).
Fines collected will be split, with 60 percent going to the apprehending office and 40 percent to the city’s General Fund.
Barangay officials deputized by the City Health Office (CHO) and personnel from the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) will enforce the ordinance.
The amended ordinance also clarifies prohibited acts, including urinating and defecating in public spaces such as streets, alleys, parks, schools, malls, public markets, transportation terminals, and other recreational spaces.
The amendment, which raises penalties to P500, was based on a recommendation from Lino E. Pequiro Jr., safety manager of Felcris Hotels and Resorts Corporation, who suggested aligning the fine with the city's Anti-Smoking Ordinance to ensure greater compliance. RGP
