Bishops push for nationwide smoking ban in church premises

CEBU, Philippines - Catholic bishops are pushing for a nationwide ban on smoking in church premises.

Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes said smokers litter church premises with cigarette butts.

“It is an annoying situation to behold,” he said.

Cubao Bishop Honesto Ongtioco said: “I would highly recommend or favor the banning of smoking in and outside Church premises for a friendly and healthy atmosphere or surroundings.”

Malolos Bishop Jose Oliveros said smokers not only harm their health but the health of other people as well.

“It is a good policy to ask people not to smoke within church premises,” he said.

“Smoking is not only harmful to humans but also to the ecology, with cigarette butts being thrown anywhere.”

Bishops assigned in dioceses or other authorities in charge of church premises should strictly monitor the smoking ban, Caloocan Bishop Deogracias Iniguez said.

Earlier, the city government of Manila announced that smoking would be banned in the 54-hectare Rizal Park starting May 31, World No Tobacco Day.

Agham Rep. Angelo Palmones had proposed stricter penalties for improper disposal of cigarette butts.

Cigarette butts have damaging effects on marine life, he added.

Studies showed that cigarette filters are filled with toxin and takes 18 months to 10 years to decompose, Palmones said.

Last year, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) implemented a smoking ban in public areas in Metro Manila.

Under the MMDA order, people caught smoking at schools, gyms, parks, hospitals, elevators and stairwells of buildings, buses and bus depots, restaurants, and government facilities would be fined P500.