WHILE waiting for the signature of President Rodrigo Duterte on the Executive Order (EO) banning smoking in public places, local government units (LGUs) are already being encouraged to draft their respective ordinances as soon as possible.
In a statement, the New Vois Association of the Philippines (NVAP) said it would be better if LGUs will already prepare their ordinances, which, among others, will impose the appropriate penalties.
“As we anticipate the signing of the EO on nationwide smoking ban, we urge all LGU to prepare ordinances to further strengthen the order, such as the imposition of appropriate penalties,” NVAP President Emer Rojas said.
Health Justice Philippines also backed NVAP’s call, saying the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) must do its part in ensuring the success of the would-be policy.
“We are hoping that the DILG, given the strong will of this administration, for their cooperation because the LGU can provide for stronger, broader force engine provisions,” Health Justice’s Jim Asturias told reporters.
Last week, Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Paulyn Ubial disclosed that they have already submitted to Duterte a draft EO that shall impose a nationwide smoking ban.
Other specific details on how the EO will be implemented, however, lie in the hands of LGUs, according to Ubial.
Rojas said they are already looking forward to the EO of Duterte, especially since it is more focused at protecting non-smokers from the threat of second-hand smoke.
“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.
Health Justice Philippines, meanwhile, said having the EO will bode well for the goal to bring down the number of smoking-related illnesses.
“The EO is being eyed to fill in the gaps, those lacking in the law. And, I guess, that's what the President is trying to do, which is to realize the spirit behind the law,” said Asturias.
The EO, which is expected to be signed within the month of October, is touted to effectively ban smoking in all public spaces, such as parks, bus stations, public vehicles, and in designated indoor smoking areas. (HDT/Sunnex)