Duterte repeats campaign vow to ban smoking in public areas

President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday repeated one of his plans for the country: a smoking ban in public areas, just like in Davao City.  

 

In a speech delivered during the awarding of child-friendly municipalities and the signing of the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Centenarians Act of 2016, Duterte reiterated that he has Buerger's disease, which is a condition associated with smoking. 

 

"Smoking, Buerger’s disease: that’s why walang smoking zone—balang araw buong Pilipinas na ‘to. I will not allow smoking because you pass cancer to the people who do not want it," the president explained. 

 

Duterte first spoke of a smoking ban after the May 9 elections, when he revealed that he was going to implement a no-smoking policy all over the country as well as a liquor ban. 

 

In Davao City, smoking is banned in both open and enclosed public areas. Establishments may have smoking areas as long as it is an outdoor space with no permanent or temporary roof or walls. 

 

Because of the ban, Davao City was recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a leading example in enforcing a no-smoking policy in the Philippines. 

 

Duterte suggested that the same rules be applied nationwide once Congress passes a law. — DVM, GMA News