Anti-smoking group New Vois Association of the Philippines (NVAP) on Monday urged incoming President Rodrigo Duterte to fast-track a nationwide smoking ban in public places when he assumes office.
In this way, NVAP president Emer Rojas said, local authorities would be forced to uphold Republic Act No. 9211, the Tobacco Control Act of 2003, which has not been fully implemented over the last decade.
“We are excited for him to replicate what he did in Davao in the rest of the country,” Rojas said in a statement.
In 2002, Duterte imposed a smoking ban in Davao City, strictly prohibiting tobacco use in government vehicles, hotels and restaurants, and public spaces.
“A national smoking ban will save millions of Filipinos, especially children and the youth from the ill effects of secondhand smoke,” Rojas said. “It will also save on the costs of treating diseases.” Jocelyn R. Uy