The City Council committee on health and sanitation and health insurance has scrutinized the proposed ordinance providing Implementing Rules and Regulations of Executive Order No. 26, providing for the establishment of smoke-free environments in public and enclosed places and the creation of smoke free task force.
The committee, chaired by Councilor Maria Lourdes Gaane, noted that the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003 (RA 9211) prohibits smoking in certain public places whether enclosed or outdoors in certain places, prohibits the purchase and sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products to and by minors and in certain places frequented by minors, imposes bans and restrictions on advertising, promotion and sponsorship activities of tobacco companies and local government units to implement these provisions.
During the meeting, one of the provisions discussed was the acts that are declared unlawful and prohibited by the ordinance, specifically the selling, distribution, smoking or vaping, or allowing or tolerating the sale of any tobacco products in places such as, among others, centers of young activity such as playschools, preparatory schools, elementary schools, high schools, colleges and universities, youth hostels and recreational facilities for persons under 18 years old.
Councilor Gaane proposed the total ban of smoking in the said areas regardless of age.
The committee endorsed the proposed ordinance to the City Legal Office for review and for its legal opinion.
Councilor Gaane said the committee would continue to discuss the matter for final resolution. (sp)
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