MMDA nabs 116 more smokers

Manila, Philippines - At least 116 persons seen smoking in Metro Manila’s public areas were apprehended yesterday by anti-smoking personnel of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and were issued violation tickets.

MMDA spokesperson Tina Velasco said the number of offenders was pegged at 116 as of 4 p.m. yesterday, though the anti-smoking drive is conducted from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day.

On Friday, the first day of the crackdown, MMDA environment enforcers issued violation tickets to 163 smokers and ordered them to pay the P500 fine for their first offense.

The MMDA said smokers will be apprehended and issued tickets if they are spotted smoking in public areas and public conveyances as defined by Republic Act 9211 or the Tobacco Control Act. The MMDA added that it will also enforce, with the help of local government personnel, local ordinances on smoking.

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

Caloocan city administrator Russell Ramirez said local enforcers apprehended around 60 violators, who were “given warnings and their names were listed.” He said many of the violators claimed they were not aware of the MMDA crackdown or the city anti-smoking ordinance, which prescribes three days’ imprisonment for third-time offenders.

Ramirez warned violators not to pay cash to any enforcer, who can only issue tickets. They are supposed to pay the fine at the city treasurer’s office at the city hall.

– Mike Frialde, Pete Laude