CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – Central Luzon, taking after Metro Manila, is poised to ban the “sale, distribution and advertisement of cigarettes” in the entire region.
The regional offices of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Department of Health (DOH) have signed recently a joint memorandum urging all governors and mayors, as well as their legislative councils to enact immediately smoke-free ordinances.
The memorandum advised the local officials to pattern the ordinances “after a model developed by DOH in consultation with the Framework Convention on Tobacco Alliance Philippines (FCTAP), Health Justice and other concerned government agencies.”
“The ordinance prohibits the use, sale, distribution and advertisement of cigarettes and other tobacco products in certain places, imposing penalties for violations thereof and providing funds therefore, and for other purposes,” a statement from the DILG regional office here said.
Central Luzon covers Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Bataan, Zambales, Aurora and this province.
The joint memorandum was signed by DILG regional director Florida Dijan and DOH regional director Dr. Rio L. Magpantay who stressed that “the call for a smoke-free environment is in accordance with the 1987 Constitution.”
They noted that the Charter mandates the state to “protect and promote public health and instill health consciousness among its people.
It also aims to uphold public health and promote measures of tobacco control, in accordance to the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, to which the Philippines is a party.”
They also cited the Local Government Code which mandates local government units to “ implement within its jurisdiction, health promotion and safety of its constituents.”
In Metro Manila, anti-smoking measures were imposed starting last May 30, the eve of the World No Tobacco Day.
Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Francis Tolentino said government would be enforcing what was already in the law to protect innocents from second-hand smoke, which can be as deadly as inhaling directly from a cigarette.
In Angeles City, the sangguniang panlungsod is presently amending “an ordinance prohibiting smoking in public or government offices, public transports, hospitals, et al”, said Councilor Jay Sangil.
Others suggested that smoking should also be banned even in bars and night clubs. Additional taxes should also be imposed for every pack of cigarette.
