Gov’t urged strictly implement smoking ban in public transport
SMOKING in public transport should be banned at all times to protect the health of the people and safeguard the environment, a health advocate group said Saturday.
Lawyer Benidict Nisperos, Legal Consultant of Health Justice Philippines, urged concerned government agencies to strictly implement the prohibition of smoking in public transport which include buses, taxis, trains, airports, and ports where people usually queue or gather.
He said that those mentioned are covered under President Rodrigo Duterte’s Executive Order (EO) 26 entitled “Providing for the Establishment of Smoke-free Environments in Public and Enclosed Places”.
“Sinabi na po ng World Health Organization, Department of Health at ng mas makararaming eksperto at syentipiko na “There is no safe level of exposure to tobacco smoke.” Kaya naman ang pangunahin po nating isipin ay ang ating kalusugan at paggawa ng paraan na maiiwas sa masamang epekto ng mga produktong tabako. Kasama na dyan ang sigarilyo, vape, at heated tobacco products,” Atty. Nisperos said during the Smoke-Free Transportation Media Briefing on Saturday, organized by HealthJustice Philippines, held in Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX).
He was also alarmed as over 20 million people are exposed to tobacco smoke in public transportation in the country.
“This is a huge number. If we are going to look at it, we should be very concerned. They may be exposed to secondhand and thirdhand smoke,” he lamented as he urged the need for a stronger and sustainable government policy on smoking and vaping.
The government has an existence policy on smoking based on the memorandum issued by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to prohibit smoking in public vehicles and terminals.
Memorandum Circular 2009-036 prohibits smoking in all Public Utility Vehicles, and public land transportation terminals with the corresponding penalties: for first offense a fine of P 2,000, second offense a fine of P 3,000 and suspension of Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC)for 60 days and confiscation of “For Hire” plate and for third offense a fine of P 5,000 and cancellation of CPC.
The MMDA is also working with all local government units in Metro Manila in monitoring the public compliance on advertising and promotion, selling and display, and use of tobacco in public establishments, particularly near school premises.
To further promote smoke-free public transportation terminals, ‘No Smoking’ signages will be posted on all Edsa Busway stations in coordination with the Department of Transportation.
The 17 Metro Manila LGUs are implementing their respective ordinances in their own localities.
