Smoking ban nets P1-M fine

A TOTAL of P1.415 million was collected since the start of the implementation of City Ordinance 34 series 2017 or the No smoking ordinance January this year.

Under the ordinance, it prohibits the use, sale, distribution; and advertisement of cigarettes and other tobacco products in certain places; imposing penalties; and providing funds thereof (including e-cigarettes/vapes).

Joel Belinan of the City Public Order and Safety Division (POSD) explained from January to October, there were 2,633 violators apprehended with 1,281 individuals paying the fines.

Belinan added the month of March had the highest apprehension with 560 while January had only 52.

“If you compare the situation of the city from now as to a year ago, there has been a difference. Even if there maybe indicators on the level of awareness on the said ordinance since its implementation starting January 2018, we still have a long way to go and one good measure which we are looking forward to is the cascading of the ordinance and the apprehension of violators at the barangay level,” Belinan explained.

From July to October of this year, 217 violators were recorded in establishments with 81 paying the violations amounting to P219,000.

At present, 156 officials coming from 90 barangays in the city are undergoing an orientation on the no smoking ordinance before they will be deputized as enforcers.

Councilor Joel Alangsab, author of the ordinance said the objective is primarily to preserve the health of family members specially the minors and rid them from the effects of smoking.

Dra. Rowena Galpo from the City Health Department pointed out the primary goal of the smoke free task force in the city is to continue to inform the people on the violations and penalties of the said ordinance.

“A smoke-free task force was created chaired by the mayor with members from the City Health Services Office, Health Education and Promotion Office, City Building Office, City Legal Office, Public Information Office, Permits and Licensing, Civil Society Organization, Philippine National Police, City Treasurer, City Environment and Parks Management Office, Department of Education/Commission on Higher education, Parents and Teachers Association, and President of the Liga ng Mga Barangay who will help in the implementation of the smoke free ordinance,” Galpo explained.

Violators of the ordinance will be fined P1,000; P2,000 and P3,000 penalties, or imprisonment, or suspension or revocation of business license, if applicable; and violation of the ban for advertising and promotion would be meted P2,000; P3,000 and P5,000 penalties.

Imprisonment, suspension or revocation of business license or permit could be done in such cases.