Palace urges public to cooperate in nationwide smoking ban

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang yesterday urged the public to cooperate with authorities implementing the executive order banning smoking nationwide, which took effect yesterday.

 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. Together, let us give our full cooperation and support to the smoke-free establishments in public and enclosed places,” Abella said in a statement.  

 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 called 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 said it may conduct a name and shame campaign against local government units that will fail to enforce the ban.

Emer Rojas, president of anti-smoking group New Vois Association of the Philippines, said President Duterte has already done his part and it is now up to the public and the LGUs to cooperate. – With Mayen Jaymalin