249 smoking violators caught in Metro Manila

MANILA, Philippines—On its first day of implementation, 249 people were caught violating the no-smoking drive of the Metro Manila Development Authority on Friday, an MMDA official said.

Loida Alzona, chief of Plans and Programs Development said the violators were caught smoking in public in the Monumento Light Railway Transit, Farmers Plaza in Cubao, POEA in Ortigas and EDSA Taft Metro Railway Transit.

The MMDA and the Metro Manila mayors have agreed to ban smoking in public in the entire metropolis.

First-time offenders will be issued Environmental Violation Receipts and a fine of P500. Those who cannot pay will render eight hours of community service.

Second time violators will be fined up to P5,000 or 16 hours of community service. Those caught for the third time will be fined with as much as P10,000.

Those who do not settle their EVRs will not be allowed to apply or renew their National Bureau of Investigation clearance. They may also face court charges.