Cancer patients hopeful of Duterte's nationwide smoking ban

Cancer patients expressed hope that President-elect Rodrigo Duterte would immediately enforce the nationwide ban on smoking in public places and establishments once he assumes power on June 30.

New Vois Association of the Philippines (NVAP) President Emer Rojas said Duterte knows exactly how it feels to be sick from smoking as the latter is suffering from Buerger’s disease, which is a condition that causes the swelling of blood vessels and prevents the flow of blood leading to tissue damage.

"Alam niya ang pakiramdam ng nagkakasakit na idinudulot ng sigarilyo," Rojas said in an interview with GMA News' Chino Gaston in his report for GMA News TV's "State of the Nation with Jessica Soho" on Wednesday.  

An estimated 10 Filipinos die every hour due to smoking-related diseases, according to the NVAP.  

Duterte plans to replicate what he started in as mayor Davao City 14 years ago when he banned smoking in government-owned vehicles, accommodation and entertainment establishments, particularly enclosed public spaces, public buildings, and public outdoor spaces.

In his proposal, Duterte said smoking will only be allowed out on the street, 50 meters away from establishments.

"May batas (Republic Act 9211 or the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003) na tayo dyan pero hindi napapatupad. Gradually and eventually matatanggal na po sana 'yung paninigarilyo sa ganyang lugar," said Rojas. 

Cigarette giant Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corp. declined to comment on the incoming administration's plan when sought for reaction by GMA News. 

The National Tobacco Administration, meanwhile, said a smoking ban will surely affect the cigarette industry although it cannot give an estimate on potential revenue loss. — Virgil Lopez, BAP, GMA News