Smoking at Caloocan City Hall banned

MANILA, Philippines - Caloocan City Mayor Enrico Echiverri warned yesterday local government employees of the no smoking policy at the city hall or face sanctions.

Echiverri said his directive is part of the intensified campaign against cigarette smoking in public places including public utility vehicles.

The mayor directed the General Services Office, headed by Alfonso Sta. Maria, to “get rid of all ashtrays/receptacles that can be found inside the city hall and its compound” and to also put up signage discouraging smoking. Echiverri said that a city ordinance mandates that any violators caught would be meted a fine of P500 up to P10,000.

Local government employees, particularly job order workers or consultants, who would be caught smoking inside the city hall and its immediate vicinity could be terminated from their job, the mayor said.