MMDA nabs 3,056 smokers so far

MANILA, Philippines - The number of smokers apprehended by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) for puffing away in public places exceeded 3,000 yesterday morning.

In a weekly radio program, the agency said they caught 3,056 smokers – 219 of them women – since the policy was implemented last July 1. Some of them chose to do community service, while others paid the fine. 

The implementation of the smoking ban in public places is based on Republic Act 9211 or the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003. Each of the 17 local government units in Metro Manila has its own ordinance regulating smoking areas.

First-time violators will be fined P500. Those who cannot pay the fine will be made to render community service. Second-time offenders will be made to pay a P1,000 fine and those arrested for the third and subsequent times will be fined P5,000.

MMDA spokeswoman Tina Velasco said a violator can be summoned for a maximum of three times. But if the person refuses to pay the fine or render community service, his record will be submitted to the National Bureau of Investigation and he may find it difficult to get an NBI clearance.

“I hope we don’t reach that point. More importantly, avoid smoking in public places because that’s what really matters more than the apprehension,” she added.