MMDA smoking crackdown starts today

Manila, Philippines - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will arrest smokers caught puffing away in public places starting today.

As the agency’s month-long warning period ended yesterday, the MMDA said it managed to warn at least 8,792 persons seen smoking in areas designated as public places by Republic Act 9211 or the Tobacco Control Act.

MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino said smokers who defy RA 9211, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board’s ban on smoking in public utility vehicles, and the anti-smoking ordinances of the local government units (LGUs) of Metro Manila will be issued violation tickets by MMDA and local enforcers.

Smokers who will be apprehended starting today will be fined P500 for the first offense, P1,000 for the second offense and P5,000 for the subsequent offenses. Those who cannot afford to pay the fines will be made to render eight hours of community service, the MMDA said.

Tolentino said the cities of Caloocan, Muntinlupa, Mandaluyong and Parañaque have banned smoking in “open spaces” in public areas, including sidewalks.

Navotas public information officer Gilbert Rivera said persons caught smoking in public places in the city could be jailed for up to three months.

Valenzuela spokesperson Ahna Mejia said while a smoking ban has long been in effect at the city hall, the city government plans to designate smoking areas.

In Caloocan City, Mayor Enrico Echiverri called on residents to report anyone taking advantage of the drive to extort money from violators.

Malabon public information officer Bong Padua said the city government is also reviewing its anti-smoking ordinance, which he observed “many are just ignoring.”

– Mike Frialde, Pete Laude