Period: 1990s – Early 2010s
Overview:
Mayor Duterte transformed Davao City from a crime-prone area into one of the safest cities in the Philippines. His firm approach to law enforcement earned national and international attention.
Key Initiatives:
- Curfew Laws: Enforced a nightly curfew for minors to deter juvenile crime.
- Liquor Ban: Restricted alcohol sales beyond 1 AM to prevent street violence and drunk driving.
- Anti-Smoking Ordinance: One of the first cities in the country to implement a total public smoking ban.
- No-Nonsense Policing: Empowered local law enforcement with strong political will and logistical support.
Impact:
- Significant reduction in street crime and petty theft.
- Boosted local and international investor confidence.
- Improved residents’ quality of life and public trust in government.
