President Rodrigo R. Duterte has signed an executive order (EO) that bans smoking in all public places, including public conveyances, throughout the Philippines. The President signed EO NO. 26 on May 16 but was only released to media Thursday.
As provided under EO 26, smoking is banned altogether in schools, including universities, and recreational facilities for minors throughout the country and sets strict guidelines on designated smoking areas (DSAs).
Areas where smoking is not allowed includes centers of youth activity such as playschools, preparatory schools, elementary schools, high schools, colleges and universities, youth hostels and recreational facilities for minors.
Also included are elevators and stairwells, locations where fire hazards are present, premises of public and private hospitals, medical, dental, optical clinics and food preparation areas
No designated smoking areas are allowed to be put up in these areas.
Meanwhile, DSAs are defined in the EO as an “an area of a building or conveyance where smoking may be allowed, which may be in an open space or separate area with proper ventilation.”
The EO also specifies that a “non-smoking buffer zone” be established for DSAs not located in open spaces.
The buffer zone must be between the door of the DSA and the rest of the building.
There should be no part of the buffer zone that will allow air to escape to the smoke-free area except for a “single door with an automatic door closer.”
To further achieve the government’s policy to guarantee the right of every citizen to breathe clean air, the EO stipulates that a building or conveyance can only have one DSA.
Minors are strictly prohibited from entering the DSA or its buffer zone.
Incidentally, EO 26 was signed on the occasion of the World Non Tobacco Day that will be celebrated on May 31.
Even before he became president, Duterte had been an advocate to banning smoking in public spaces.
He first instituted the ban in Davao City when he was the mayor, a position he held for years prior to running for the Presidency.
LATEST STORIES
Indian think tank to Manila: Beware of Beijing-funded projects
NEW DELHI — The Philippines could end up in hock to China if it is not careful about entering into investment and infrastructure deals with Beijing, according to an Indian think tank. Hardeep Puri, … [Read More...]
PAF to get US ScanEagle UAVs Tuesday
With the first batch of intended crew already completing their training in Boing Insitu's facility in Bingen, Washington, and arriving in the Philippines, the Philippine Air Force will now formally … [Read More...]
French frigate in Manila for 4-day visit
MANILA -- The FNS Vendemiare (F-734), a Floréal-class light surveillance frigate of the French Marine Nationale, arrived in Manila South Harbor for a four-day goodwill visit to the country which … [Read More...]
Air Force looking for Sikorsky S-76A heli parts worth P9.5-M
MANILA -- The Philippine Air Force (PAF) is setting aside PHP9.5 million for the acquisition of spare parts and services needed for the maintenance of one of its Sikorsky S-76A search-and-rescue … [Read More...]
Roque explains remarks vs China in 2015
MANILA – Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. has confirmed Rappler’s report that he called China an "aggressor state" when he delivered a lecture at Harvard University in the US in … [Read More...]
The customs agencies of the Philippines and China agree on data exchange
The customs agencies of the Philippines and China agreed to set up a data exchange system to facilitate the timely sharing of trade information and aid the two nations in their respective campaigns … [Read More...]