DoH tightens watch on cigarette vendors near schools

AFP PHOTO

Manila, Philippines—The Department of Health (DoH) intensified its warnings that vendors are prohibited to sell cigarettes near schools and educational institutions, a Radyo Inquier report by Erwin Aguilon said Tuesday.

Dr. Ivanhoe Escartin, director of the National Center for Health Promotion, said Republic Act 9211, or the Tobacco Regulation Act, bans the sale of cigarettes within 100 meters of an educational institution to protect the students from the ill effects of cigarette-smoking.

Escartin said data showed that males are more prone to smoke cigarettes at an early age than females.

He said the DoH welcomed the support from institutions that have declared smoking-free zones.

He added the DOH continued to push for the passing of the Sin Tax bill to better protect the public from the dangers of cigarettes and alcoholic drinks.