EVEN in a coronavirus pandemic, the Davao City Government continued its implementation of the Anti-Smoking Ordinance and the 24-hour liquor ban resulting in the apprehension of 2,767 violators during the first quarter of the year.
Vices Regulation Unit (VRU) Action Officer Hernando Las reported that their enforcers apprehended 2,641 individuals violating the Anti-Smoking Ordinance, of which 2,482 complied with the smoking cessation counseling while 159 were filed with cases.
For the liquor ban, 121 individuals were caught drinking in public places or conducting drinking sessions in groups. Of the number, 58 paid the fine of P3,000 and 63 are for regular filing of cases.
Also, five establishments were caught selling liquor and all were recommended for closure due to the "one-strike rule" imposed through Executive Order issued by City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte.
With this, Las said the City Government collected some P2,496,072 in fines for violations of the anti-smoking law and some P189,600 for those violating the 24-hour liquor ban, including selling and drinking in public places.
Las noted a higher collection compared to the same period (January to March) last year. He said that the amendment made to the Anti-Smoking Ordinance last year that imposes a higher penalty factored in the significant increase in collections.
He reported that the city collected P1,771,200 with 3,698 apprehensions from January to March 2020 that is lower for the same period this year at P2,496,072 with 2,641 apprehensions.
The relentless campaign not only encourages Dabawenyos against spending on non-essential items like cigarettes and intoxicating drinks but most importantly to lead a healthy life.
Las said Dabawenyos must now quit smoking as it weakens a person’s lungs. He added that Dabawenyos should be cautious, especially with the Covid-19 that targets one’s respiratory system.
“Unta moundang na sila og pagpanigarilyo kay makadaot ni sa lawas ug kay taas kaayo ang risgo sa sigarilyo labi na sa Covid-19 karon (I hope they stop smoking since it is bad for their health and it also poses risks, especially with the Covid-19 we are facing),” he said.
Likewise, he urged business establishments to stop selling liquor, especially to minors.
VRU has 50 enforcers inspecting and monitoring the strict implementation of the Anti-Smoking Ordinance and the 24-hour Liquor Ban. Aside from them, Davao City police officers are also deployed and conduct inspections for the implementation of the anti-smoking and the liquor ban. (CIO)