Smoke-free EO pushed

MANILA, Philippines - A group of cancer survivors yesterday expressed support for a “stronger” anti-smoking law that would effectively protect the people from the harm of tobacco use.

New Vois Association of the Philippines (NVAP) president Emer Rojas said 70 percent of Filipinos are non-smokers and their right to clean air must be respected by the state.

“We are looking forward to the signing of a stronger smoke-free executive order, which will save Filipinos from diseases and death caused by cigarette smoking,” Rojas said.

He said an EO watered down due to the influence of the tobacco industry might not be acceptable to the public and would not conform with the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Treaty, which was ratified by the Philippines in 2005.

“We are hoping that President Duterte will not be deterred by the meddling and interference from industry giants. We hope he will maintain his strong political will and save the lives of Filipinos from smoking,” Rojas said.

A strong anti-smoking EO, he said, would mean strict enforcement of the smoking ban within 100 meters from schools and in places frequented by the youth.

NVAP is hoping for an EO that will strictly implement standards for designated smoking areas.

“Limiting the places where smoking is allowed will reduce the number of illness like lung cancer and death caused by smoking,” Rojas said as he appealed to the President to help them protect themselves and the people around them from the hazards of tobacco use. 

Citing data from the World Health Organization, the NVAP said cancer is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide.

In the Philippines, the leading cancer case is lung cancer, with tobacco use being the most important risk factor.

Rojas expressed hope that Duterte would soon finish reviewing the draft EO prepared by the Department of Health.  

“We hope that a strong smoke-free EO will be signed sooner, because the Filipino people have been waiting for this,” he said.