Ex-smoker Erap orders smoking ban in public places in Manila

Now a non-smoker himself, former President and now Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada on Monday ordered the strict implementation of the city ordinance prohibiting smoking in all public places in the city.

In a press statement, Estrada said City Ordinance No. 7748 prohibits smoking in all enclosed places like hospitals, schools, public buildings, shopping malls, and other public places in the city.

Estrada said this is his way of urging his fellow Manileños to follow his example and quit smoking for good. The 79-year-old former president dropped the habit after he was hospitalized in December due to asthma attacks.

“Love your heart, quit smoking. This is my Valentine’s (Day) wish for everyone, for every Manileño,” he said.

“For the sake of your family and loved ones, stop smoking. It won’t do you any good,” Estrada, who now chews sugar-free medicated lozenges as an alternative, said.

For city hall employees, Estrada said they are only allowed to smoke at Arroceros, Taft Avenue and Freedom Triangle gates.

“We will start here at the City Hall. I enjoin everyone, from rank-and-file employees to department heads and even city councilors, to comply with this anti-smoking ordinance. We will be very strict,” he said.

Estrada said he supports the proposed nationwide smoking ban of President Rodrigo Duterte, who led a citywide anti-smoking ordinance in Davao City when he was its mayor. —Joseph Tristan Roxas/KBK, GMA News