Nationwide smoking ban sought

MANILA, Philippines - To curb the high prevalence of maternal and infant deaths, a group of cancer survivors has asked the government to implement a nationwide smoking ban.

Emer Rojas, New Vois Association of the Philippines president, urged President Duterte to sign an Executive Order (EO) banning smoking in public places.

Rojas said that ensuring an environment that is free from tobacco smoke could help reduce high infant and maternal mortality rates.