By Sonya Delgado
The 20th Sangguniang Panlungsod of Davao approved on December 10, 2024, amendments to the ordinance prohibiting any person from urinating and/or defecating within public view, expanding the prohibited places and amending the penalties.
Davao City Councilor Jesus Joseph Zozobrado, during the Aprubado sa Konseho media forum on Tuesday, January 7, 2024, said that they made substantial amendments to the “Ordinance Prohibiting any Person from urinating and or defecating within the public view in any street, alleys highways and any place within the vicinity of any public building in Davao and providing penalties in case of violation thereof.”
“There is now an expanded scope in the prohibited acts. The amendment clarifies and broadens the areas under prohibition explicitly listing public places where urination or defecation is unlawful,” Zozobrado said.
With the amendments, urinating and/or defecating are prohibited in on the streets, alleys, parks, schools, malls, bars, restaurants, transportation terminals, public markets, evacuation centers, government offices, public utility and private vehicles covered by app-based transport network services and other recreational spaces but not limited to cinema, halls, and theaters.
As for the penalty, violators will face a fine of Php500 and imprisonment of up to 10 days or both, depending on the court’s discretion.
“We also have a no contest provision, you’ll just have to pay 200 pesos fine and this must be paid within three days upon apprehension, so this no-contest provision can only be availed of one time,” he said, adding that this cannot be availed of by second offenders who shall face the penalty provided for.
Also, based on the amended ordinance, barangay officials can be deputized by the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) after proper training and seminars.
The DCPO can also be deputized and they will be tasked to strictly enforce the ordinance.