BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya - A recently-approved Nueva Vizcaya ordinance prohibits smoking in public places and conveyances and the imposition of penalties on all violators.
The directive has been approved by the provincial board and recently signed by Governor Luisa Cuaresma, herself a known smoker.
During a recent interview with members of the media, Cuaresma disclosed that she is not yet ready to quit smoking.
Provincial Board Ordinance No. 2010-049 invoked provisions of the 1987 Constitution, mandating the state to protect the right to health of the people and to instill health consciousness among them.
Section 24 of Republic Act (RA) 8749 or the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 prohibits smoking inside enclosed public places and public vehicles. Local government units are directed by law to implement the provision.
Section 5 of RA 9211 or the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003 prohibits smoking in certain public places whether enclosed or outdoors like centers of youth activity, public facilities, and public conveyances.
The provincial board is now coordinating with various sectors for the ordinance's proper implementation, said senior board member Edgardo Balgos, who is one of the sponsors of the provincial ordinance.
Public hearings and information dissemination campaigns will be held to support the province's no-smoking initiative.
Once fully implemented, the ordinance requires the installation of "No Smoking" signs in prohibited areas and removal of ashtrays in public and work places, among others.
The ordinance defines public conveyances as mode of transports such as, but not limited to, jeepneys, buses, tricycles, and other similar vehicles.
On the other hand, smokers who have a hard time kicking the habit can seek help from the Smoking Cessation Program (SCP) through the municipal health officers, who will be trained to help them get rid of the vice.
Even as a government-approved total ban on cigarette advertisements started on Tuesday, the provincial police force which is part of the Smoke Free Task Force earlier began its own implementation by tearing down posters in all police stations and some establishments across the province.
Talking to GMANews.TV, Senior Inspector Orlando Cagumbay, chief of Police-Community Relations Office, said that they will continue to execute the order as long as there are violators.
“We have started taking down posters and billboards a day earlier and we will continue to work with concerned agencies to help make this anti-smoking campaign successful," he said.
Violators will be required to pay penalties of P1,500 for the first offense, P2,500.00 for the second offense and P5,000.00 for the third offense. Those who cannot afford the fine may choose to render community service.
Under the ordinance, licenses of any private establishments or franchisees of public conveyances who allow smoking within their premises will be suspended or revoked depending on the mode of violation. - RJAB Jr./JV
