The Sangguniang Panlungsod on Tuesday approved on second reading the ordinance adding provisions to the Davao City’s Traffic Code and authorizes the use of wheel clamp or tire lock to immobilize illegally parked vehicles within the territorial jurisdiction of Davao City.
The ordinance, proposed by Committee on Peace and Public Safety Chair Councilor Luna Acosta, seeks to impose penalties of Php 2,000 for light vehicles and Php 5,000 pesos for trucks and other heavy vehicles that are illegally parked.
It was adopted to strengthen the enforcement of traffic regulations, promote public safety, and promote orderliness of roads.
Clamping zones, as identified in the ordinance, include the Pay Parking zones where vehicle owners refuse to pay the parking charges or have violated any of the guidelines.
Also identified as clamping zones are those already established as illegal parking areas. Vehicles would be clamped if they are parked across any line or marking of a parking space or in such position that the vehicle shall not be entirely within the designated area of such lines or markings; parking any vehicle for the purpose of waiting, resting, washing, cleaning, greasing, painting, or repairing or any installation of any car accessories and/or tinting, except repairs necessitated by an emergency; and parking to display for sale or to sell goods and merchandise.
“The following areas are hereby declared as clamping zones without prejudice to the provision of Section 6. We have three areas, the Daang Maharlika Highway, Sandawa which is Quimpo Boulevard, and Tulip Drive, provided that an overhead traffic sign indicating clamping zone will be installed at these identified streets,” Acosta said.
Section 6 of the ordinance provides for the City Transport and Traffic Management Office’s (CTTMO) authority to determine more clamping zones. The guidelines for the determination are traffic volume, PUV routes, and other traffic assessment considerations that will address the traffic situation in those particular areas.
She said that the pilot study duration will be the first three months of 2026.
Acosta said that the clamping will be immediate but not arbitrary. The enforcers will look for the vehicle driver or owner first and will clamp upon refusal to move the vehicle or also in instances when the owner is not found.
She added that the ordinance also provides exemptions for emergency purposes, which could excuse the vehicle owner or driver once raised or protested.
CTTMO representative Atty. Eduardo Perez said that the city already requested the purchase of more clamps for the pilot implementation of the ordinance will start next year.
He underscored, however, that the CTTMO will only implement the clamping zones after installing the necessary signages. CIO
