Anti-Smoking Campaign Intensified
VOL. XVIII NO. 3 (October 25-31, 2014)
BAGUIO CITY – The city government intensified the anti-smoking campaign with the conduct of surprise inspection of business establishments to ensure that they are complying with the provisions of Republic Act 9211 or the “Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003” and City Ordinance No. 8 series of 2008.
Combined elements from the Alay sa Kalinisan Inc. (ASKI) last week rounded up more than 20 establishments along Session Road and General Luna Road which were found violating the anti-smoking laws by allowing smokers and even minors to smoke within their premises.
The team was headed by city health office under officer-in-charge Dr. Rowena Galpo and city epidemiology and surveillance unit head Dr. Donnabel Tubera and the city mayor’s office public order and safety division under Policarpio Cambod.
The establishments were issued a stern warning with anti-smoking signs posted inside the premises. They will be monitored regularly and succeeding violations will mean hefty fines and charges in court.
Mayor Mauricio Domogan who heads the ASKI said the campaign will be a continuing program to ensure that establishments will observe the anti-smoking regulations.
The city police under Sr. Supt. Rolando Miranda regularly report the number of apprehension of violators of the smoking ordinance to the ASKI.
Tubera pushed for the conduct of inspections of the establishment to boost the campaign.
The city government intends to strengthen its anti-smoking law by amending Ordinance No. 8 series of 2008 or the Comprehensive Anti-Smoking Ordinance of Baguio City and its Implementing Rules and Regulations to clarify the definition of public places where smoking is supposed to be banned. They also plan to impose stiffer penalties for violators.
The proposed amendment is pending before the city council./A Refuerzo