President Rodrigo Duterte has just signed the Executive Order (EO) that bans smoking in public places in the Philippines. Here are three things you need to know or you must share if you are a smoker or if anyone you know is a smoker. As they say, ignorance is no excuse.
On May 16, President Duterte signed Executive Order No. 26 just days before the Anti-distracted Act was implemented nationwide. The EO is titled “Providing for the establishment of smoke-free environments in public and enclosed places.” It sets the standards for designated smoking areas, limitations of minors in using, selling or buying cigarettes, and limitations on selling these products in places where minors are.
3 things you need to know about EO banning smoking
The EO signed by the President stated “Prohibited Acts” under Section 3. Basically, smoking is no longer allowed in public areas whether enclosed or not except in Designated Smoking Areas (DSA). Here is a breakdown of what each citizen should be aware of regardless of whether or not he or she is a smoker.
1. Smoking is banned in enclosed public places and public conveyances. These places include places like schools, elevators and stairwells, fire hazard locations, food preparation areas and medical facilities.
2. Selling, distributing or purchasing products to and from minors. The EO states that people are not allowed to sell, distribute or purchase tobacco products to and from minors even if he or she is not aware of the real age of the minor.
3. Minors (aged 18 and below) are not allowed to smoke, sell or buy tobacco products. The EO says minors are not allowed to use any tobacco product. It also says that ordering, instructing or compelling a minor to use, light up, buy, sell, distribute, deliver, advertise or promote these products are not allowed.
It is also prohibited to sell or distribute these products in a school, public playground, youth hostels, and recreational facilities fo minors, including places where minors go frequently or within 100 meters from any point of these places.
4. Smoking advertisements are not allowed in or within 100 meters of places where minors are. Ads would include leaflets, posters, display structures, and other materials.
5. Standards for Designated Smoking Areas (DSA). If an establishment would like to put up DSA, these points should be followed. No opening that will allow air to escape except for a single door with an automatic door closer. Only if it is not located in an open space. To read more, check the EO via ABS-CBN report.
These are just some of the most important things one has to know to comply with the EO. Penalties are in place for those who do not follow. These include a fine that ranges from P 500 to P 10,000. For those who will violate the law that involves minors, a fine of P 5,000 and imprisonment up to 30 days.
The Executive Order on banning smoking nationwide will be implemented 60 days after publication in newspapers nationwide.