Laryngeal cancer survivors have urged local government units to prepare this early for a nationwide smoking ban ahead of an executive order to be signed by President Rodrigo Duterte this month.
New Vois Association of the Philippines president Emer Rojas said the draft EO will leave it to local governments to impose appropriate penalties for smoking ban violators.
“As we anticipate the signing of the EO on nationwide smoking ban, we urge all LGU to prepare ordinances to further strengthen the order,” Rojas said.
The nationwide smoking ban, an election promise made by Duterte, was revealed by Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial, whose department submitted the draft EO to the president.
It is presumed to be similar to the total smoking ban that Duterte started in Davao City.
When signed, the EO will effectively ban smoking in all public spaces, including parks, bus stations, and even in designated indoor smoking areas such as airport lounges and restaurants.
Smokers will only be allowed to puff in designated areas.
“We, the victims of tobacco and the rest of the anti-tobacco advocates, laud the positive actions of the president in saving people’s lives,” Rojas said.
There are more than 80-million Filipinos who are not smokers but are exposed to tobacco smoke either in homes or in public places, New Vois said.
There are an estimated 17.3-million adult Filipinos who consume tobacco at an average of 11 sticks per day. It is also estimated that 10 Filipinos die from a smoking-related disease every hour.
