THE Vices Regulation Unit (VRU) reported a twofold increase in the amount collected from fines, rising from P4 million between January and June 2024 to P8 million during the same period in 2025.
VRU reported that from January to June 2025, they collected a total of P8,431,200. Of that number, P7,164,700 from Anti-Smoking citation tickets, P1,079,600 from violations of the Liquor Ban Ordinance, P112,400 for violations of the Sobriety Ordinance, and P74,500 for the certification fee for designated smoking area and permit to sell.
The 2025 collection is higher compared to the 2024 income of P4,754,000. Of that number, P3,286,500 from Anti-Smoking citation tickets, P995,000 from violations of the Liquor Ban Ordinance, P445,000 for violations of the Sobriety Ordinance, and P28,000 for the Certification fee Designated Smoking Area and permit to sell.
Jacy Jay B. Francia, officer-in-charge of VRU, said during the ISpeak media forum on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at the City Health Office building, that the increase in revenue can be attributed to higher fines implemented under the revised ordinances.
“Kaya dako ang atoang na collection karon although the same lang ang amount of apprehension (That's why our collection is higher now, even though the number of apprehensions is the same),” he said.
To recall, the 20th City Council approved the Revised Comprehensive Anti-Smoking Ordinance on April 16, 2024, and the amended Comprehensive Liquor Code on May 7, 2024, both proposed by Councilor Luna Acosta to protect minors and regulate alcohol and tobacco use.
Under the Anti-Smoking Ordinance, violators face fines ranging from P1,000 to P5,000 and will receive a citation ticket. Failure to pay incurs an additional fee of P100 per day per count. While for revised liquor code violators face fines ranging from P1,000 to P5,000 and may have their business permits revoked, in addition to imprisonment for up to one year.
The VRU reported that it conducted 1,322 operations and made 1,880 apprehensions from January to June 2025 under the Revised Comprehensive Anti-Smoking Ordinance, an increase from 1,226 operations and 1,799 apprehensions in 2024.
Meanwhile, for the liquor ban, VRU conducted 369 operations and recorded 567 apprehensions in the first half of 2025, compared to 385 operations and 369 apprehensions during the same period in 2024.
Francia admitted that with only around nine regular personnel, their office relies heavily on 50 volunteers from auxiliary units to assist in monitoring areas throughout Davao City.
He also shared that the VRU is currently coordinating with the City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) to deputize its personnel to apprehend violators, especially along major thoroughfares. Additionally, they are considering deputizing Barangay Kagawads to enforce the ordinances in far-flung areas of the city. RGP