DAVAO CITY – The Davao City Council passed a resolution on Tuesday, March 24, declaring a zero-tolerance policy against drunk driving and urging businesses that serve alcohol to help prevent impaired driving.

In a privilege speech during the City Council's regular session, Committee on Socialized Housing Projects chairperson Councilor Diosdado Mahipus Jr. called for stricter enforcement of Republic Act No. 10586, the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013.

Mahipus said the measure emphasizes that, while anti-drug and drunk-driving laws already exist nationwide, the city seeks to highlight local policy and reinforce enforcement, expecting law enforcers to implement the law fully.

"This includes additional checkpoints in strategic areas here, sufficient personnel deployment during high-risk hours, and operational equipment such as breath analyzers to ensure proper prosecution of offenders," Mahipus said.

He added that the resolution was prompted by a series of incidents in the city, particularly during late-night and early-morning hours, that resulted in deaths, including pedestrian fatalities.

High-risk areas identified in the resolution include Davao City Coastal Road, Catalunan Grande, Buhangin, and Quimpo Boulevard, reflecting a concerning pattern of risk during high-risk hours.

Measures, law enforcement, and traffic agencies—including the City Transport and Traffic Management Office, the Philippine National Police-Traffic Enforcement Unit, the Davao City Police Office, and the Land Transportation Office XI—were urged to strictly enforce RA 10586, including mandatory alcohol and chemical testing for drivers involved in incidents resulting in injury or death; intensify checkpoint operations, focusing on high-risk areas and times, particularly near bars and restaurant; ensure adequate testing equipment, such as operational breath analyzers, for both stationary and mobile enforcement; and maintain proper documentation and timely reporting of incidents for administrative and legal follow-up.

The resolution also called on alcohol-serving establishments to exercise social responsibility by discouraging intoxicated patrons from driving, arranging safe transport, and supporting public campaigns against drunk driving.

Mahipus emphasized the importance of community involvement, asking bar owners and other establishments to prevent visibly intoxicated customers from leaving their premises while impaired.

"Every life lost is valuable. We must stop drunk driving before another tragedy happens," the councilor said during the Pulong-Pulong sa Dabawenyos media forum at Sanggunian Panglungsod on Tuesday afternoon.

Mahipus urged the city government to prioritize funding for enforcement and immediately procure additional breath analyzers for traffic enforcers to ensure effective coverage across the city.

The resolution will be distributed to the City Mayor's Office and other concerned agencies, including the Association of Bar Owners in Davao City and the City Peace and Order Council, for information and appropriate action.

Mahipus said the resolution reflects the city council's concerted effort to strengthen enforcement, enhance public safety, and foster shared responsibility in preventing drunk driving in Davao City.