Metro smoking ban enforced by July 1

MANILA, Philippines - With its month-long information drive ending on Thursday, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said yesterday it is all set to crack down on persons caught smoking in areas banned by the Tobacco Control Act and local ordinances starting July 1.

Chairman Francis Tolentino said that by Friday, the MMDA and the 17 local government units in Metro Manila will start imposing sanctions on violators of Republic Act 9211 and the LGUs’ ordinances regulating cigarette use.

He added that the cities of Caloocan, Muntinlupa, Mandaluyong and Paranaque have banned smoking in “open spaces” in public areas, including sidewalks. Other cities do not have ordinances banning smoking in open spaces. RA 9211 only bans smoking in enclosed public areas.

Tolentino, however, clarified that for the four cities, only their traffic enforcers are allowed to apprehend violators, while the MMDA can only issue warnings.

First-time violators can choose to either pay the P500 fine or render eight-hour community service.