Disease, health, BSP, suicide, Felixberto Valdez
Four cities in Metro Manila have intensified the enforcement of their antismoking ordinances after the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) started its metrowide drive against smoking in public places.
The cities of Muntinlupa, Caloocan, Mandaluyong and Parañaque are implementing stricter antismoking rules based on existing ordinances.
The four cities’ ordinances defined open spaces as “public places” which, according to the MMDA, expanded the coverage of the tobacco regulation law.
In Muntinlupa, business establishments in the city have been ordered to remove signages advertising tobacco products and to designate smoking areas or face sanctions.
According to Omar Acosta, Muntinlupa City public information officer, signages or tarpaulins of tobacco products are no longer allowed in the city.
Stiff fines
Starting next week, the City Health Officer and the Engineering Office will inspect the designated smoking areas provided by establishments.
Smokers caught outside designated smoking areas face a fine ranging from P500 to P10,000 or community service. Business permits of erring establishments can also be revoked upon the discretion of city hall.
As of July 14, a total of 72 people, 20 of whom were minors, were caught smoking in public areas in Muntinlupa.
In Pasig City, 43 commercial establishments have been found defying the anti-smoking law.
Most of these were convenience stores and restaurants located in Pasig’s commercial areas including Julia Vargas Home Depot, Ortigas Center, and the Metrowalk, said Raquel Naciongayo, chief of the City Environment and Natural Resources.
“Majority of them have received citation tickets from us, and then they got fines for a second offense. But still, they keep violating the law,” she said.
Most of the business establishments were found with no designated areas for smoking.
She said restaurants, bar, disco and other similar establishments are mandated to provide a designated smoking area which should be enclosed and separated from the rest of the premises.
Antismoking violators
Eighteen of the businesses violated the tobacco law’s advertising ban while one was found selling cigarettes within 100 meters from a children’s park.
The alleged violators in Pasig City were Hang-over Bar, Hanston Bldg., Raffles Corporate Center, Hanston Bldg./ Ministop, Mircantel Ventures Inc., 7-Eleven Emerald, Uncle Moe’s Shawarma Hub, Bugsy’s Bar and Bistro, Boken and Angela’s Merchandise, Bluefrog Restaurant,
Daddy’s Burger, Mr. Michael Imperial–owner, Buzz Point, Wynsum Corporate Plaza, Wynsum Bldg.’s 7-Eleven, Emerald Bldg., AIC Brugane Bldg., VO6 Resto Bar, Orient Bldg., Qualings Resto Beer Grill, Ang Pulo, Persian Square, 3B’s Restaurant Inc. Decades Cocktail Lounge,
Dencio’s Bar & Grill, Kudos 168 Restaurant & Bar, Cue Sticks Food & Drinks, Inc. Elbow Room–The Lounge, Mugen Bar & Restaurant Inc., Yahoo Barbecue, V58 Restobar, Foamy Brens, Skakey’s,
Fat Michael’s Castro Pub, Chef and Brewer, Cafe Sis, Pasto, Congo Grill, Lasapin Food, Racks, Enigma, Butiny’s Grill, Jay-J’s Chicken Inasal restaurants, Entablado Bar, Twist Resto Bar.
