Authorities on Friday reminded smokers about an Executive Order 26 signed by President Rodrigo Duterte in May last year prohibiting smoking in public places and conveyances nationwide.
The Philippine National Police and local government units are strictly enforcing the Order aimed to protect non-smokers, especially pregnant women and children, from second hand smoke that caused lung cancer and other ailment.
In the southern part of Metro Manila, 276 persons were arrested by the police for smoking in public in the cities of Makati, Muntinlupa, Parañaque and Taguig in just two days.
Based on the accomplishment report dated July 11 to 12 released by the Southern Police District, the City of Makati got the highest number of persons arrested for violating the smoking ban with a total apprehension of 148 followed by Muntinlupa City with 110 apprehensions.
Thirteen individuals were arrested in Parañaque City while five other were caught in Taguig City, according to the SPD report.
Under the law, the penalty for:
1) Smoking in prohibited places and for violation of DSA (designated smoking area) standards:
-First offense: a fine of P500.00 – P1, 000.00;
-Second offense: a fine of P1, 000.00 – P5, 000.00;
-Third offense: a fine of P5,000.00 – P10, 000.00 and revocation of the business permits and licenses to operate.
2) Selling or distributing to/ buying from minors; selling of tobacco products within 100 meters from any point of the perimeter of schools, playgrounds, and other facilities frequented particularly by minors; and failing to properly post signage required in point-of-sale establishments offering, distributing, or selling tobacco products:
-Fine of at least P5,000.00 or imprisonment of maximum of 30 days and at the court’s discretion, revocation of business licenses or permits in the case of business entity or establishment.
Duterte signed EO 26 on May 16, 2017.
The directive enjoins the members of the PNP, together with the Smoke-Free Task Force under the city and municipal governments, to strictly carry out the provisions of EO 26 including the apprehension of violators and the institution of criminal proceedings for violations.
EO 26 is a reinforcement of Republic Act No. 9211, also known as Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003, which prohibits smoking in certain public places and the purchase and sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products to and by minors, and in certain places frequented by minors.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, in an effort to protect the public from tobacco smoke, also imposed a policy banning smoking inside public utility vehicles and terminals.
The World Health Organization reported that tobacco use was the leading cause of death, illness and impoverishment worldwide.
