200 smokers caught on first day of ban

More than 200 smokers caught puffing away in public places were apprehended by environmental enforcers of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) during the first day of the agency’s full enforcement of its antismoking policy Friday.

As of 3 p.m. Friday, a total of 249 smokers were issued Environmental Violation Receipts (EVRs), which entail a P500 fine.

Except for one violator who tried to escape but was later caught for antilittering violation after he threw his cigarette butt on the street, MMDA General Manager Corazon Tecson said there was no resistance from most of those whom they apprehended during the operation.

Most of the violators were caught in several areas along Edsa, particularly in Monumento-Light Rail Transit station; Farmers’ Market in Cubao, Quezon City; Philippine Overseas Employment Administration-Robinsons’ Galleria area in Ortigas and Pasay Rotunda.

MMDA Chair Francis Tolentino and the 17 Metro Manila mayors earlier agreed to intensify the authority’s no-smoking drive, extending its scope to cover the entire metropolis.

The MMDA no-smoking campaign previously covered only government buildings.

Apart from public transportation terminals, the smoking ban, under RA 9211, also applies to other public places such as shopping malls, restaurants, schools and recreational facilities, hospitals, public and private buildings and offices, locations where fire hazards are present such as gas stations and all enclosed places open to the general public.

Smoking inside all types of public utility vehicles is also prohibited.  Those who cannot afford to pay the fine will be required to render eight hours of community service. Tina G. Santos