The year 2025 marked a significant period of legislative transition for Davao City, as the 20th City Council concluded its three-year term and handed over responsibilities to the newly inaugurated 21st Council. This shift represented both an end to a prolific chapter of lawmaking and the beginning of a new era focused on continuity and innovation in addressing the needs of Dabawenyos.
A Legacy of Legislation: The 20th Council's Final Term
Under the leadership of Vice Mayor J. Melchor B. Quitain Jr., the 20th Sangguniang Panlungsod wrapped up its service on June 24, 2025. Over its full three-year term, this body proved exceptionally active, approving a total of nearly 400 ordinances and more than 2,000 resolutions. A detailed breakdown shows 140 ordinances and 757 resolutions passed from July 2022 to December 2023, followed by 150 ordinances and 1,004 resolutions from January to November 2024. An additional 88 ordinances and 284 resolutions were added by May 2025.
The council's work was characterized by landmark measures that created lasting institutions and strengthened public welfare. Key legislative achievements included the establishment of the Persons with Disabilities Affairs Office (PDAO) and the institutionalization of the Davao City Earthquake Response Task Force. A suite of ordinances enhanced disaster preparedness and community safety, such as the Anti-Spaghetti Wire Ordinance, the Pre-emptive and Forced Evacuation Ordinance, and the Amended Comprehensive Anti-Smoking Ordinance.
Notably, the council demonstrated a strong commitment to vulnerable sectors. The Comprehensive Persons with Disability Rights, Privileges, and Protection Ordinance fortified protections for PWDs and penalized the use of fraudulent identification cards. Support for senior citizens was amplified through the Senior Citizens Work Opportunity Ordinance and amendments that doubled their financial assistance. The council also ensured dignity for women in conflict with the law, mandating medical assessments and legal counsel.
Other significant actions included declaring Mount Apo Natural Park a Geopark, amending the city's Comprehensive Traffic Code, and creating new offices like the Davao City Housing Office and the Youth Development Division.
Changing of the Guard: Inauguration of the 21st Council
The transition to the 21st Council blended experience with new perspectives. A farewell ceremony on June 24 honored outgoing councilors, with Pilar Braga, Conrado Baluran, Edgar Ibuyan Jr., and Jesus Joseph Zozobrado III receiving Plaques of Distinction for three consecutive terms. The new council, led by Acting Vice Mayor Rodrigo "Rigo" Duterte II, held its inaugural regular session on July 1, 2025.
The composition of the 21st Council reflects a mix of seasoned legislators and fresh voices. First District councilors include Melchor Quitain Jr., Atty. Luna Acosta, and Cookie Bonguyan. The Second District is represented by Atty. Diosdado Mahipus, Ralph Abella, and Louie John Bonguyan, among others. Third District members comprise Alberto Ungab, Doc Enzo Villafuerte, and Atty. Bai Hundra Cassandra Dominique Advincula.
Early Wins and Forward Momentum
In its first six months, the 21st Council moved swiftly to enact measures with direct impact on the city's development and its citizens' welfare. A major step was the establishment of a trust fund for the Davao Bus Project, creating a dedicated financial mechanism to support the modern public transportation system.
Building on the previous council's work, it approved annual financial assistance of ₱1,500 for all qualified Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). In the realm of public safety, the council adopted the use of AI facial recognition technology at the city's main entry and exit points and launched the advanced Davao Smart Emergency Response and Locator–Computer-Aided Response and Emergency Dispatch (Seral-Cared) system.
Disaster response remained a high priority, with the council allocating millions in aid to local government units (LGUs) affected by typhoons and earthquakes, including Pangasinan, Albay, Cebu, and Davao Oriental.
To tackle urban challenges, the council formed an Ad Hoc Committee to address delays in the Maa Flyover project and proposed amendments to motorcycle taxi operations. It also authorized the use of wheel clamps on illegally parked vehicles and extended business permit validity from one to three years to ease the process for entrepreneurs.
On the fiscal front, the 21st Council passed Supplemental Budgets totaling ₱2.028 billion in 2025 and set the city's budget for 2026 at ₱15.8 billion, a 10% increase from the previous year, to fund essential services and development projects.
The 21st City Council concluded its legislative work for the year on December 23, 2025, after a sixth special session, capping a year defined by effective transition and a renewed commitment to progressive governance for Davao City.
