Tacloban braces for stronger smoking ban enforcement

TACLOBAN CITY, June 7 -- The city government here is bent on stricter enforcement of anti-smoking ordinance following the passage of a nationwide smoking ban. 

The existing city ordinance strictly prohibits smoking in public transport, public parks, airports, bars, restaurants and even near the hospitals and school play grounds. 

Smoking ban has been enforced in the city since 2015 but it failed to stamp out the habit of lighting up in public places. 

The newly-formed task force of the city government has been working closely with the city health office on how to effectively enforce the directive.

Vice Mayor Jerry Yaokasin reminded the public to be law-abiding. “We are calling on the public to support this campaign to get rid of smoking and how I wish people here will be more aware of the health risks linked to passive smoking,” Yaokasin told PNA.

Nestor Cinco, 32, a non-smoker government employee, said the unabated smoking in public places feels like they are forced to endure the smoker’s second-hand smoke.

“I am annoyed by the smoke and I think it’s very inconsiderate of people to smoke in crowded places, but it seems everybody just let it go,” he said. 

President Duterte signed on May 16, 2017 the Executive Order (EO) No. 26 banning smoking in public places nationwide.

The EO titled “Providing for the establishment of smoke-free environments in public and enclosed spaces,” listed as a prohibited smoking in “enclosed public spaces and public conveyances, whether stationary or in motion, except in DSA (designated smoking areas).”

It provides standards for a spot to be considered a designated smoking area (DSA), which may either be an open space or a separate area with proper ventilation. (Jazmin Bonifacio/PNA)