Senator Escudero defends right of smokers

MANILA, Philippines—Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero appealed to authorities on Monday to respect the “private space” of individuals who, like him, have not yet quit smoking.

“Matagal namang batas yun na dapat pinapatupad basta’t gagalangin din yung pribadong espasyo ng mga tao na hindi pa rin makatigil hanggang ngayon (The ban on smoking in public places was enacted a long time ago and should be enforced, but authorities should also respect the private space of individuals who haven’t quit smoking yet),” Escudero told reporters on Monday, reacting to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority’s announcement to renew its drive against smoking in public places starting Monday.

“Matagal ko nang gustong tumigil e (I have always wanted to quit smoking),” Escudero added.

Meanwhile, Senator Pia Cayetano, head of the Senate committee on health, called on some of his colleagues to follow the law following a statement from Malacañang that no less than President Benigno Aquino III would comply with the smoking ban in public places.

Both Aquino and Escudero are known smokers.

Cayetano complained that on some occasions, she had been a recipient of second-hand smoke from her colleagues who smoke inside the Senate building. She, however, refused to identify them.