The Philippine legal and voting age is 18 years old. Minors are not allowed to marry, with or without parental consent (Check Local Culture section). City ordinances prohibit pornographic materials, however some are being sold discreetly. The city Regulatory and Complaints Board (RCB), is in charge of monitoring bars, shows and deals with moral issues affecting the city. The RCB has already closed down several bars in the past for violation of nudity ordinances and stopped the proliferation of local adult magazines in the city.

Jaywalking is common in city streets and highways despite jaywalking ordinances. If you are in a traffic light intersection, cross perpendicular to the street (a warning to Japanese tourists who usually cross the street intersection diagonally). Use pedestrian overpass if available. Cars in the city rarely respect pedestrian lanes.

When riding a motorcycle, helmets are required. Motorcycles are allowed along the National Highway as there are no other roads connecting the city from east to west.

Smoking in public vehicles such as jeepney, taxi and motorela are prohibited. However some passengers even jeepney drivers do smoke. If it bothers you, politely ask the person to extinguish his cigarette. Most do comply without hesitation.

Most jeepneys in Cagayan de Oro have built-in stereo. These are illegal but are tolerated by traffic enforcers and police. It could get a bit loud and annoying when they start playing heavy metal and rock music. Do not expect others to complain as most would just cover their ears. If it is unbearable, politely inform the driver or conductor to lower down the volume.

Gambling is legal in the Philippines and are controlled by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) .

Contact the City Hall at Tel. No. (88) 8574281 for more information about City Ordinances.

Police Assistance: 166. What to tell the operator:

• Full Name
• our City and exact location (Street or any landmark)
• Phone or Mobile Number

Philippine National Police (PNP) - Cagayan de Oro

• Plaza Divisoria Station: (8822) 72-7116 (located at Amphitheater, downtown)
• Cogon Market Station: (88) 857-3178 (within the Cogon Public Market)
• Carmen Market Station: (88) 858-2340 (within Carmen Public Market)
• Lapasan-Agora Station: (88) 856-2471 (within Agora Bus Terminal)
  

The Cagayan de Oro Fire Department is in Cogon Market. Tel. No. 112 (free call).