Palace urges public to support smoking ban
July 23, 2017 | 11:05am
Smoking will only be allowed in Designated Smoking Areas. File photo
MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Sunday urged the public to cooperate with authorities implementing the executive order banning smoking in public, which took effect on July 23.
Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella called the smoking ban “another milestone where the government gives priority to the right to protect public health.”
“The implementation of this EO is a realization of our dream of a tobacco-free future,” Abella said in a statement.
“Together, let us give our full cooperation and support to the smoke-free establishments in public and enclosed places,” he added.
The smoking ban contained in Executive Order 26 prohibits smoking in enclosed public places and public utility vehicles and the selling of tobacco products to minors.
Selling or distributing tobacco in a school, public playground and other areas frequented by minors is also prohibited.
The order also calls for the creation of a smoke-free task force in all cities and municipalities to help implement the provisions of the order.
The Health department has said it may conduct a "name and shame" campaign against local government units that will fail to enforce the ban.
Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said the order would help smokers quit the habit.
“Smoking will not yield anything good. It is a form of addiction,” Andanar said in an interview with radio station dzBB.
“There are designated smoking areas. Just look for them. Every establishment will have to find a place for the smokers to smoke,” he added.
Andanar said Duterte’s smoking ban reflected his “political will.”
BrandSpace Articles
<
>
Philstar
x
- Latest
- Trending
Trending
Latest
Trending
By James Relativo | 14 hours ago
By Ian Laqui | 22 hours ago
By Mayen Jaymalin | 7 hours ago
By Louella Desiderio | 7 hours ago
Latest
By Delon Porcalla | 7 hours ago
By Ian Laqui | 12 hours ago
14 hours ago
By Gaea Katreena Cabico | 14 hours ago
Recommended
7 hours ago
7 hours ago
7 hours ago
14 hours ago