Koko to senators: Follow smoking ban, nobody exempted
Senate President Aquilino Pimentel said senators are not exempted from the smoking ban. File
MANILA, Philippines - Senate President Aquilino Pimentel yesterday urged his fellow senators to comply with Executive Order (EO) 26 signed by President Duterte banning smoking in public places nationwide.
Pimentel said senators are not exempted from the smoking ban.
A number of senators smoke inside their offices in the Senate.
Pimentel said he would seek clarification about the coverage of the EO, particularly on the provision on designated smoking areas.
In a radio interview, Pimentel said the Senate has provided designated smoking areas within its premises. But it is unclear whether these would comply with the standards set by the EO.
“We should study this carefully to see if it also prohibits the designated smoking areas at the Senate. If it says that smoking areas are prohibited even in public buildings then we will comply,” he said.
Pimentel is a non-smoker.
As to his colleagues who smoke, he said they have no choice but to comply with the law.
If necessary, Pimentel said he would issue a memorandum enforcing a smoking ban at the Senate.
He said marshals could be designated to monitor violators and impose the appropriate penalties.
- Latest
- Trending
