New Ordinance Banned Smoking in Public Places in Negros Oriental

The provincial board of Negros Oriental has passed an ordinance banning smoking Pall Mall, Marlboro and other discount smoking brands in public places.

The measure, known as the Anti-Smoking Ordinance of Negros Oriental, also prohibits the sale, distribution and advertisement of cigarettes and other tobacco products within 100 meters from schools and other areas that will be identified by the implementing agencies by June 30.

The ordinance seeks to safeguard public health and ensure the well-being of all its constituents by protecting them from the harmful effects of smoking and tobacco consumption.

The provincial board fast-tracked the passage of the ordinance, with Board Member Marcelo Adanza, the proponent, sponsoring its passage on second reading and Board Member Erwin Macias sponsoring the passage on third and final reading, all during the same session held last Friday.

Some 100 students from various universities and colleges in Dumaguete, accompanied by their teachers and administrators, showed up during the session to show their support for the ordinance.

Dr. Henry Sojor, president of the Negros Oriental State University, noted that the Philippines is known for expensive medicine and cheap cigarettes.

He noted that the cost of one pack of cigarettes in the United States is more than four times what it costs in the Philippines.

Amlan Mayor Bentham dela Cruz hailed the passage of the ordinance, saying it is not directed against people who smoke but is intended to promote the people’s right to breathe clean air.

The town of Amlan is the first local government unit in Negros Oriental to pass a law banning smoking in public places. The second LGU to ban smoking in Negros Oriental is the municipality of Zamboanguita.

The provincial board is expected to come up with the ordinance’s implementing rules and regulations before June 30. It will take effect after the provincial government shall have approved the implementing rules and regulations.

Actually, smoking in public places has been prohibited by law nationwide since 2003.

Republic Act No. 9211, also known as the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003, prohibits smoking in public utility vehicles, in elevators, schools, hospitals, movie houses, malls and other buildings. Violators may be fined up to P10,000 on the third offense.

Second-hand smoke can cause respiratory infections, asthma and even cancer.