THE CITY Vices Regulation Unit (VRU) saw a notable drop in cigarette ordinance violations alongside an increased liquor code apprehensions during the first half of 2026, generating nearly ₱8 million in total revenue from citation tickets and compliance certifications.
VRU data covering January to June 2026 posted a total of 40,129 operational engagements. For the six-month period, authorities cited 3,337 anti-smoking ordinance violators and 892 liquor code offenders.
Total collections from citation tickets and compliance certificates reached ₱7,973,500 between January and June.
- Anti-Smoking Citation Fines: ₱6,447,500
- Liquor Code Violations: ₱1,178,300
- Sobriety / Drinking on Public Streets: ₱117,000
- Designated Smoking Area (DSA) Certifications (Malls & Restaurants): ₱230,700
Marking the 24th anniversary of Davao City’s landmark Anti-Smoking Ordinance, officials noted a 12.49% decline in smoking apprehensions, falling from 5,139 in 2025 to 4,497 in 2026.
VRU officials attributed the drop to growing public awareness and localized deterrence, noting that residents increasingly understand that smoking in public spaces is strictly prohibited throughout the city.
In contrast, liquor code violations saw an upward trend, from 918 in 2025 to 1,255 in 2026.
Enforcement officers cited intensified inspection drives and night operations targeting restobars, establishments, and public drinking hot spots across the city as the main driver for the surge in cited cases.
Profile of violators
VRU said a significant portion of violators include visitors, tourists, and foreign nationals who claim unfamiliarity with Davao City’s strict local ordinances. Local offenders, meanwhile, mostly consist of Davao residents caught attempting to bypass regulations in hidden or secluded areas rather than open public zones.
Authorities reiterated their call for visitors and residents alike to respect local policies, stressing that anti-vice operations will remain active and unannounced across all districts.
