Lapu-Lapu seeks to control smoking in public places

CEBU, Philippines - The Lapu-Lapu City council has adopted an ordinance seeking to regulate smoking in public places and in public conveyances.

The ordinance will impose penalties against violators based on the implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act 9211 or the Tobacco Reghulatory Act of 2003.

Under a General Welfare provision of the Local Government Code, every local government unit is mandated, not only to promote the health and safety, but also preserve the comfort and convenience of its inhabitants, the ordinance said.

One of the known perils to health, safety, comfort and convenience of the community is the hazards of tobacco through smoking.

The passage of Republic Act 9122, also known as the Tobacco Regulatory Act of 2003 has explicitly recognized the existence of this problem.

Under the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Republic Act 9122, it enjoined and tasked mayors, building officials and the police in all local government units to ensure full compliance with the tenets of the act, hence the need to adopt the ordinance.

First offenders will pay a fine of P500 and render a week of community service or both.For the second offense, a fine of P1,000.00 and two weeks community service will be imposed while the third offense, a fine of P1,500 or a month of community service.

Meanwhile, establishments who fail to put up designated smoking areas will be also penalized.

For the first offense, a fine of P1,000 will be imposed, second offense P3,000, and for the third offense, P5,000 and the cancellation/revocation of the business permit. (THE FREEMAN)