Phillipine Government Bans Smoking In Public
Philippines President, Rodrigo Duterte bans smoking in public places[/caption]
Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has signed an executive order imposing a nationwide ban on smoking in public places.
The order which was signed by Duterte on Tuesday was made known by the Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea on Thursday.
The order, which is expected to affect about 17 million Filipino smokers, includes playgrounds, sporting areas, sidewalks, schools, workplaces, government offices, restaurants.
Advertisement
According to the order, violators will face a maximum penalty of four months in jail and a fine of 5,000 pesos ($100).
“There shall be no opening that will allow air to escape from the designated smoking areas to the smoke-free area of the building or conveyance, except for a single door equipped with an automatic door closer,” the order reads.
“The designated smoking area shall not be located within 10 metres from entrances, exits or any place where people pass or congregate or in front of air intake ducts.”
The Reuters reports that the ban is one of the region’s strictest anti-tobacco laws.
Advertisement
President Duterte was once a heavy smoker but had to quit when he was diagnosed with Buerger’s disease.
