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Wednesday, June 25, 2003
Raps v. smoking violators to be pursued, Boni says
By Aurea A. Gerundio
DAVAO City Councilor Bonifacio Militar, proponent of the anti-smoking ordinance, said charges filed against those caught violating the ordinance will be pursued even after amendments are made following the signing into law of Republic Act 9211, otherwise known as the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003.
He said amendments to the city ordinance should be consistent with the national anti-smoking law. But he refused to divulge when the amendments would be made since the matter is controlled by City Council majority floorleader Vic Advincula.
Militar took pride over the fact that he introduced prohibitions on smoking in Davao City.
"Dati daghan kaayo ug nangasuko sa gi-implement na anti-smoking ordinance pero karon kay gihimo na gani gyud na national law (There were a lot opposed to the anti-smoking ordinance. But now it has become a national law)," he said.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Monday signed RA 9211, an act that would protect the populace from the negative effects of cigarette smoking by regulating the packaging, use, sale, distribution and advertisements of tobacco products in the country.
The new law effectively repeals all laws and ordinances inconsistent with it, including the controversial Comprehensive Anti-Smoking Ordinance of Davao City.
Militar admitted that the anti-smoking law poses a huge effect on tobacco industries, which is in turn expected to affect tax revenues.
"Pero, mas dako kaayo ang perwisyo sa sigarilyo sa health ng tao. Mas gastos hinuon kung naa ka nay cancer (But smoking causes a lot of inconvenience to a person's health. It's more expensive if you get cancer from smoking)," Militar said.
Under RA 9211, the state will now strictly implement the smoking ban in all public places, to include the following:
* Centers of youth activity such as playschools, preparatory schools, elementary schools, high schools, colleges and universities, youth hostels and recreational facilities for persons under 18 years old;
* Elevators and stairwells;
* Location in which fire hazards are present, including gas stations and storage areas for flammable liquids, gas, explosive or combustible materials;
* Within the buildings and premises of public and private hospitals, medical, dental, and optical clinics, health centers, nursing homes, dispensaries and laboratories;
* Public conveyances and public facilities including airport and ship terminals and train and bus stations, restaurants and conference halls, except for separate smoking areas; and
* Food preparation areas.
(June 25, 2003 issue)
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