Group awaits imposition of smoking ban

MANILA, Philippines – Anti-smoking advocates want incoming president Rodrigo Duterte to immediately impose a nationwide ban on smoking.

Emer Rojas, New Vois Association of the Philippines president, said they are awaiting Duterte’s official order for the strict implementation of smoking ban in all establishments throughout the country.

“The smoke-free places implementation in Davao City being scaled up on a nationwide setting is simply laudable and the NVAP fully supports this pronouncement of presumptive President Mayor Duterte,” he said.

Rojas said the smoke-free policy will complement the existing anti-smoking policies, particularly the Graphic Health Warning (GHW) and Sin Tax laws.

“The adoption of tobacco control measure similar to a Davao City Ordinance will contribute significantly to ongoing efforts to reduce cancer and other smoking-related diseases,” he said.

“Having a nationwide no smoking policy will certainly boost what the GHW and Sin Tax laws intend to achieve, which is to help discourage the public especially the youth from tobacco addiction.”