Duterte reminds public about smoking ban, shuns ‘indoor smoking areas’

President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday reminded the public about the executive order he will soon be signing banning smoking in public places.

During a media briefing before leaving for a state visit to Brunei, Duterte stressed that smoking will no longer be allowed even in designated indoor smoking areas.

"Yes, [the EO on smoking ban] will be [signed] and will follow the Davao experience. If you want to smoke, find a place where it is allowed," said Duterte, a long-time Davao City mayor before ascending to the presidency.

Duterte said he has always been "aghast" at buildings designating indoor smoking areas just "to accommodate the smoker."

"That ain't the way. It must be out. It's not in a cubicle inside the building," said the President, who included smoking and liquor bans as among his campaign promises during the last presidential elections.

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 if these areas are outdoor spaces 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 stressed: "There is no debate that you will die of cancer if you continue using nicotine."

Health Assistant Secretary Eric Tayag earlier said under Duterte's EO, smoking will be allowed in isolated areas and non-public places.

"Sa tabi-tabi, sa likod ng mga building na walang public," he said.

Tayag said the EO may also prohibit vaping or e-cigarettes in public places.

"Ang marketing niyan ay para mag-quit smoking subalit ang kabaligtaran ang nangyayari, nagkakaroon sila ng karanasan sa paggamit ng iba't ibang uri ng vaping hanggang sa mauwi sa pinagbabawal o addicting substances," Tayag said.

He said local government units will be given authority to release ordinances to affirm the EO and arrest violators.

Tayag said majority of Filipinos will benefit from the EO, citing the health risks of smoking and second-hand smoking including vulnerability to heart diseases, stroke, and cancer. — Mark Merueñas/BM, GMA News