NO MORE street rallies affecting the flow of traffic will be allowed in Davao City.
An ordinance prohibiting and penalizing any act that blocks the free flow of traffic along public streets was approved during the regular session on Tuesday, November 27.
“The ordinance aims to prohibit obstruction of public streets to address vehicular traffic problem in our city. We did not prohibit public rallies,” Davao City Vice Mayor Bernard Al-ag said in an online interview with SunStar Davao on Tuesday.
“Any citizen can conduct rallies in Freedom Park or in any areas allowed by the city. I commend the members of the City Council for supporting this landmark legislation,” he added.
The ordinance under Councilor Maria Belen Acosta was amended as it was first proposed to prohibit road closures at Panacan Bridge to the junction of Davao Agusan National Highway and Carlos P. Garcia National Highway. Al-ag in the past City Council session proposed for its amendment to make the scope of the ordinance cover the whole city.
Stated in the ordinance is the prohibition of unauthorized road closures, setting up of barricades, stalling of vehicles of other similar acts committed by an individual or group.
The ordinance states that it seeks “to preserve peace and order and protect national security.”
It also stated that it will also secure the free and uninterrupted flow of medical emergency services and other basic services to the public.
Other advantages include safety and welfare of the public; access to transportation to neighboring cities; minimize effects of traffic build up; and continuous commerce and trade.
However, there are exemptions from penalties such as activities or gatherings authorized by the national or the city government or blockades intended to divert vehicles away from road damages, ongoing construction, accidents or emergencies.
Each person violating the ordinance will be penalized with P5,000 and/or imprisonment of not less than one year or both at the discretion of the court.
With 17 councilors present during the City Council session, all voted for the approval of the ordinance for its third and final reading.