City Strengthens 100 Meter Tobacco Ban in Schools
June 6, 2015
BAGUIO CITY – Mayor Mauricio Domogan has ordered the strict implementation of the ‘no sale of tobacco products’ in the 100 meter radius of schools in this mountain resort.
The order came just in time for the opening of classes for public schools this June.
Domogan said, “the strict implementation of this law will prevent children from being exposed to cigarettes and its harmful effects.”
As per Republic Act 9211, Section 10, the sale and distribution of tobacco products is prohibited within one hundred meters from any point of the perimeter of a school, public playground or other facility frequented by minors.
Any person, business entity or establishment selling to, distributing or purchasing a cigarette or any tobacco product will be fined the amount of P5,000.00 or imprisonment of not more than thirty days, business licenses or permits shall be cancelled or revoked.
If the violation is by an establishment or business entity, the owner, manager, or the most senior officer shall be liable for the offense.
The city government also strengthened its Anti-Smoking Policy thru the continuous enforcement of Administrative order No. 28 series of 2012 which created the Implementation Committee for the 100% Smoke Free Environment Policy of the Civil Service Commission and enforcement of City ordinance No. 8 series of 2008 or the Comprehensive anti-Smoking Ordinance.
Domogan said,” warning the public on the ill-effects of smoking and enforcing the no smoking policy is the best way of protecting the people from the dangers of smoking.”
The Philippines is a signatory to the World Health Organization (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
The city council is also slated to amend the Comprehensive Anti-Smoking Ordinance of the city to make it more effective.
The new comprehensive anti-smoking ordinance enumerates in detail the places where it is prohibited to smoke and further strengthens the tobacco Regulation Act./Paul Rillorta
