Nueva Vizcaya approves Smoking ban
Governor Luisa Cuaresma, a known smoker, recently signed an ordinance banning smoking in public places and transportation. Under the new ordinance violators would be fine PHP 1,500 for the first offense, second time offenders would be fine PHP 2,500 and PHP 5,000 would be imposed for third time offenders. For those who could not afford the payment of this fine would be subjected to community service.
Private establishments or franchisees of public conveyances that violates this ordinance would find their license revoked or suspended depending on the mode of their violation. Posters and billboards of cigarette advertisements have already been removed from certain establishment. Ashtrays in public workplace as well as installation of “No smoking signs” in prohibited areas would be put up once the ordinance has been fully implemented. The Municipal health offices in Nueva Vizcaya are providing help through their Smoking Cessation Program (SCP).
Under the constitution, there are laws that prohibit smoking in public places as in any mode of transportation. Section 24 of Republic Act (RA) 8749 or the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 prohibits smoking inside enclosed public places and public vehicles. Local government units are directed by law to implement the provision. Section 5 of RA 9211 or the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003 prohibits smoking in certain public places whether enclosed or outdoors like centers of youth activity, public facilities, and public conveyances.
This is ordinance would be a great way to minimize carbon emission and would be beneficial to residents of Nueva Viscaya. It all comes down to implementation. Laws against smoking in public places have been in place for quite some time. And yet the implementation of the law is still not evident. It all comes down to the will to implement this law. Wouldn’t it be great for the Philippines to be as smoke free like Singapore? This would be beneficial for the well being of the environment and people’s health
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