Davao City on Anti-drunk and Drugged Driving

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Pursuant to the mandate of the Section 5 Article II of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, it is the responsibility of the state to maintain peace and order, protection of life, liberty and property and the promotion of the general welfare.

As the local authority, it is thus the responsibility of the City Government of Davao to protect its people from the hazards brought about by driving under the influence of liquor and/or dangerous drugs that foolishly endanger life and property. Thus, in June 2010, the majority of the 15th City Council of Davao approved the City Ordinance No. 0445-10 also known as "An Ordinance Prohibiting And Penalizing The Act of Driving A Motor Vehicle While Under The Influence of Liquor and/or Prohibited Drugs".

Councilor Mabel Sunga Acosta who proposed this to the council aimed to protect drivers and their passengers from the possible danger brought by drunk and drugged driving. This City Ordinance covers all kinds of motor vehicle driven in all streets, roads and boulevards. 

If the person is found guilty of driving under the influence of liquor and drugs, he/she shall be given a fine of P2,000 and completion of a counseling course on the 1st offense. Imprisonment of not less than four (4) months to (6) months and a fine of P3,000 on the 2nd offense. Imprisonment of not less than (6) months to 1 year and a fine of P5,000 on the 3rd and subsequent offenses. The driver's license will also be confiscated and will be turned-over to the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

This City Ordinance of Davao is another "first" of the city. It was passed 3 years before the Republic Act No. 10586 "An Act Penalizing Persons Under the Influence of Alcohol, Dangerous Drugs, And Similar Substances and for other Purposes" shortly known as "Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013".

Davao City has already established itself in terms of providing local laws in prohibiting drunk and drugged driving as well as protecting the people from the hazards brought by it.