20 city anti-smoking law enforcers are smokers

DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines  – At least 20 of the more than 100 enforcers of the anti-smoking ordinance of the city government are smokers, according to City Administrator William Ablong.

Ablong admitted that the 20 are among those who had recently completed a two-day training in preparation for the full implementation of the anti-smoking ordinance on September 1st this year.

He admitted that it was a predicament for them considering that these enforcers also have the “right” to smoke and could not be forced to drop the habit. He however said the city is working on convincing them to be the first to sign up for the city’s smoking cessation program.

Those who completed the training for eventual deputation as enforcers of the anti-smoking ordinance include city employees, police personnel and barangay tanods, among others.

City Health officer Maria Sarah Talla meanwhile said it is a “big challenge” for the city to have smokers in its team of enforcers.

Councilor Joe Kenneth Arbas, one of the authors of the measure, also explained the ordinance was not intended to violate the right of the people but to help them stop smoking and adopt a healthy lifestyle. He noted that deputized anti-smoking enforcers can still smoke once they reach their homes as only public places are covered by the measure.  (FREEMAN)