CEBU, Philippines - The Ormoc City Council unanimously approved Resolution 2014-011, urging the police to implement Republic Act 9211 (Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003) and the city’s anti-smoking ordinance no. 35.
The resolution, authored by Councilor Mariano Corro, president of the city’s Liga ng mga Barangay, specified the need for the police to act on the laws prohibiting smoking in public places.
The resolution contended that existing laws have not been properly observed and implemented, thus endangering the health of non-smokers. “Tricycles-for-hire in this city are required to post anti-smoking sign but only few complied.†it stated.
Aside from the police, barangay officials and other concerned agencies are also subjects of the resolution. If the implementation will succeed, Ormoc City will then be like Maasin City in Southern Leyte where smoking ban is strictly enforced. —(FREEMAN)