MMDA wants in on antismoking campaign

Health department workers stress the dangers posed by smoking on a busy street corner in Manila, ahead of Sunday’s nationwide implementation of a smoking ban. —MARIANNE BERMUDEZ

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) welcomed on Sunday the start of the implementation of the nationwide smoking ban, two years after the Court of Appeals said that the agency’s own antismoking drive was invalid.

Dr. Loida Alzona, head of the MMDA health, public safety and environmental protection office, noted that the executive order signed by President Rodrigo Duterte designated the Philippine National Police and local government units (LGUs) to apprehend violators.

The MMDA, in close coordination with the 17 LGUs in Metro Manila and their respective legislative councils, is looking into its inclusion in local smoke-free task groups, she said.

MMDA enforcers will help monitor the ban on the sale of cigarettes within 100 meters of schools and other youth recreational facilities. Posting of promotional materials for tobacco products is also prohibited.

Violations are punishable in accordance with applicable penalties provided for under Republic Act No. 9211 or the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003.

Those caught smoking in public areas will be fined P500 to P1,000 for the first offense, P1,000 to P5,000 for the second offense, and P5,000 to P10,000 for the third offense.

Alzona said those interested in quitting smoking can seek help through the national quit line (165-364) managed by the Department of Health.

In 2011, the MMDA adopted a resolution to implement the Tobacco Regulation Act and antismoking ordinances of Metro Manila LGUs.

But a Mandaluyong court ruled that the agency had no authority to enforce the antismoking law, a decision upheld by the Court of Appeals.