ILOILO City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog has made it clear he will enforce the city's campaign against smoking to the letter.
That means not accepting smokers who are applying for jobs in City Hall.
Applicants must present a medical certificate to prove they do not smoke or take illegal drugs, Mabilog said.
The mayor also reminded regular employees of administrative and criminal sanctions and penalties if they are caught smoking in and around City Hall.
He said the campaign for a smoke-free Iloilo City must start at the seat of the City Government, and that its employees must be role models for the community.
The no-smoking ban is in effect in buildings and offices, parks, plazas, vehicles, restaurants and near schools.
The city won the Red Orchid Hall of Fame Award given by the Department of Health for its anti-smoking initiatives.
Mabilog, Councilor Joshua Alim, who is chairman of the Iloilo City Anti-Smoking Task Force (ICAST), Executive Director Inigo Garingalao, City Health Officer Uminico Baronda, and Barbie Hortillo of the City Health Office received the plaque of recognition in a ceremony in Metro Manila last February 20.