MANILA, July 22 — The Department of Health (DOH) is expecting local government units (LGUs) to be ready with their respective task force units that will implement the ban on smoking in public places, which takes effect on Sunday (July 23), its spokesperson has said.
“Inaasahan namin na ang pamahalaang local ay organized na ang kanilang smoke-free task force (We trust that the local governments are ready with their respective smoke-free task forces),” Dr. Eric Tayag said Friday.
Executive Order 26 on establishing smoke-free environments in public and enclosed places, signed by President Rodrigo Duterte last May 16, states that LGUs, in coordination with the DOH, are “enjoined to develop, promote and implement their respective Local Smoking Cessation Programs, consistent with the National Smoking Cessation Program established pursuant to Republic Act 9211”.
It directs all cities and municipalities to help carry out the provisions of the Order by forming local Smoke-Free Task Forces, which, along with the police, are authorized to apprehend violators.
The composition of each task force is at the discretion of the LGU, Tayag said, adding that it can consist of barangay officials, traffic enforcers and even volunteers who advocate for smoke-free environments, such as doctors, nurses, and teachers.
“Pwede kayong mag-volunteer sapagkat kung maliit po yung task force ninyo, baka po mahirapan yung mag-monitor (People can volunteer because if a task force is small, it would have a difficult time monitoring the implementation of the ban),” he said.
Those caught smoking in public places shall be given fines based on the EO or the ordinance of the LGU, while establishments that allow smoking in non-smoking areas shall also be slapped with fines and may face closure if they are constant violators.
Under the EO, each establishment is allowed to have only one designated smoking area (DSA), where a “Smoking Area” sign and graphic health warnings on the effects of tobacco use should be displayed prominently.
It will depend on the LGUs if they would allow commercial establishments to collect extra charges for the use and maintenance of DSAs.
Tayag noted that creating a DSA could be costly because it requires a buffer zone and doors that automatically close so that smoke would not escape the room.
Establishments that cannot comply with the prescribed DSA are advised to place “No Smoking” signs, he said, adding that smoking in parking areas, streets, and areas near establishments is likewise not allowed unless done in a DSA.
Smoking inside a vehicle is prohibited, as well as in areas where food is prepared; those that provide health services such as hospitals and clinics; schools, universities, and areas frequented by youths such as basketball courts and dormitories; elevators and stairways; and areas with fire hazards, such as gas stations. (Leilani S. Junio/PNA)
