Caloocan cracks down on smokers

MANILA, Philippines - The Caloocan City government cracked down on smokers yesterday following reports that city hall employees and police officials have been seen puffing away in their offices.

A city ordinance, passed four years ago, bans smoking in all public places, including the city hall building and police stations. Concerned residents said the officials’ practice has been copied by their subordinates.

Mayor Enrico Echiverri distributed yesterday “no smoking” stickers to tricycle drivers in the city, as an initial measure to stop the practice.

He warned that offenders caught smoking in banned areas will be punished accordingly. He promised to act on reports of officials and employees smoking in banned areas.

He said the stickers should warn smokers that they could be charged if they light up in public vehicles such as buses, jeepneys, tricycles and pedicabs, as well as public places.

The campaign is in support of the anti-smoking drive of the Department of Health. – Jerry Botial, Pete Laude