Increased fines imposed on violators of the liquor ban and anti-smoking regulations have led to a doubling of revenue collected
Davao City's Vices Regulation Unit Sees Significant Revenue Increase
The revenue of the Vices Regulation Unit (VRU) in Davao City has more than doubled from January to June 2024 to the same period in 2025, rising from approximately PHP 4.75 million to over PHP 8.4 million.
This surge can be attributed to higher fines imposed under revised anti-smoking and liquor ordinances, increased enforcement efforts, and expanded collaborations with other city offices and volunteers.
Revenue Breakdown
In the first half of 2024, the VRU collected PHP 4,754,000, with PHP 3,286,500 coming from anti-smoking tickets, PHP 995,000 from liquor ban violations, and PHP 445,000 from violations of the Sobriety Ordinance. In the same period in 2025, the unit collected PHP 8,431,200, with PHP 7,164,700 from anti-smoking tickets, PHP 1,079,600 from liquor ban violations, and PHP 112,400 from violations of the Sobriety Ordinance.
Causes of Revenue Increase
The implementation of revised ordinances with higher fines for anti-smoking and liquor ban violations is a primary cause of the revenue increase. The VRU's efforts are also supported by around nine regular personnel and approximately 50 volunteers for monitoring key areas across Davao City. The unit is also planning to deputize personnel from the City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) and Barangay Kagawads to broaden its capacity for apprehending violators, especially in far-flung areas.
Enforcement Statistics and Measures
The doubling of fine collections indicates intensified enforcement and compliance monitoring. The VRU is also intensifying information campaigns on liquor ban hours and anti-smoking ordinances to improve public awareness.
Impact of Revised Ordinances
The higher fines act as a deterrent against violations, likely contributing to behavioral change in the public. The increased revenue enhances the VRU’s operational capacity for regulation and enforcement activities. The collaborations with other city agencies and community volunteers also improve enforcement reach, particularly in remote barangays.
In summary, the rise in VRU revenue from 2024 to 2025 primarily stems from higher fines under revised ordinances, enhanced enforcement with volunteer and deputized support, and increased public information drives to promote compliance with anti-smoking and liquor ban rules. The reported efforts suggest an overall strengthening of public health and safety through better regulation of smoking and liquor consumption in Davao City.
The increase in revenue for the Vices Regulation Unit (VRU) in Davao City, stemming from higher fines under revised anti-smoking and liquor ordinances, has resulted in a significant boost to the city's finance sector, improving the business environment through improved health and safety measures.
Expanded collaborations with other city offices and volunteers have enabled the VRU to broaden its enforcement efforts, potentially benefiting local businesses by reducing health risks associated with smoking and excessive alcohol consumption in public places.
