4 February 2018:

Manila Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada ordered anew to strictly enforce the smoking ban in all public places in the capital city.

The strict implementation of Ordinance No. 7812 or The Smoke-Free Ordinance of the City Government of Manila was again ordered following many reports of continued violations by smokers, Estrada said.

“Gusto natin na ang Maynila ay makilala na isa sa pinakamalinis na lungsod sa bansa, kaya paulit-ulit kong ipinaalala, sundin natin ang smoking ban para rin ito sa ating kalusugan,” Estrada said.

“Hindi po ako magsasawa na magpaaala sa inyo… Itigil natin ang pagsisigarilyo at sundin natin ang Ordinansa dahil ito ay para sa ating kabutihan. Lahat ng violators ay ipaaaresto natin kaya mahigpit kong inuutos sa lahat, lalo na sa mga department heads na bantayang mabuti ang mga tauhan nila na sundin ang smoking ban sa ating lungsod,” Estrada added.

Under its provisions, apprehended violators are to be fined P2,000 and/or one-day imprisonment or both for the first offense; P3,000 and two-day prison term for the second; and P5,000 and/or three-day imprisonment or both for the third offense.

The said ordinance is intended “to set an example to the private sector in promoting a smoke-free environment and to safeguard the health of the public using such establishment from the harmful effects of smoking and tobacco consumption.”

Source: Manila Bulletin