DAVAO CITY—The 20th Sangguniang Panglungsod (City Council) of Davao City has strengthened the campaign against urination and defecation in public places.
The new ordinance proposed by Councilor Jesus Joseph Zozobrado III and eventually approved by the City Council imposes higher fines for people caught urinating and defecating in public, it also expands the areas covered by the ordinance.
“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.
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.
There will be a fine of P500 and imprisonment of up to 10 days or both, depending on the court’s discretion.
The amendment also includes a no contest provision which can only be availed one time.
“You’ll just have to pay 200 pesos fine and this must be paid within three days upon apprehension,” Coun. Zozobrado said.
Barangay officials can be deputized to enforce the ordinance after undergoing training and seminars from the Davao City Police Office.
The City has been conducting a campaign against open defecation particularly in the coastal areas.
Last year the Zero Open Defecation Program (ZOD) program was institutionalized by the City Government through Executive Order (EO) No. 32, Series of 2024
EO 32 ensures every household has access to sanitary toilets and also mandates the creation of a ZOD Verification and Certification Team tasked to assess barangays on their sanitation level based on the Philippine Approach to Sustainable Sanitation. (PIA/RGA)
