Philippines
In 2003, the Philippines enacted a smokefree law that restricts smoking in enclosed public places and workplaces. Smoking areas are permitted in most public places other than health care and educational facilities.
The city of Las Piñas adopted a smokefree ordinance that covers government workplaces and many public places. The local ordinance is stronger than the national law, but still exempts many private workplaces and all hospitality establishments.
Additionally, the Philippines ratified the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) in 2005 and is working towards compliance with the treaty requirements.
| Smokefree News |
| Iloilo City steps up anti-smoking drive Amendments will be made on the Iloilo City Regulation Ordinance 2006-150 to make it more comprehensive and active in its anti-smoking campaign. Starting September 1, the campaign will be vigorous with deputized agents going around the city to issue citation tickets to violators, said Councilor Joshua Alim, chairman of the reactivated Anti-Smoking Task Force. Alim said Executive Order 099-A recently issued by Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog will resuscitate and strengthen the campaign on smoking as absolutely prohibited in schools, public buildings, public conveyances and government vehicles, fire hazard locations and within public and private hospitals, medical, dental and optical clinics. He said that smoking maybe allowed in designated smoking areas but shall be prohibited in any enclosed public places such as accommodation and entertainment establishments. ... DOH: Report anti-smoking violators via text The public can now report violations of the government's anti-smoking campaign simply by texting "NOSI" to 2256. The NOSI (No to Yosi) campaign is a project of the Department of Health (DOH) Center for Health Development in Metro Manila. Aside from "texting" or Short Message System (SMS), the public can also report smoking ban violators by calling 661-3747 or logging on to www.nosi.com.ph . For texters, after sending the keyword "NOSI" to 2256, the sender will receive a confirmation message from the DOH. The sender will be asked for information about the incident, such as: - the name of the establishment or the license plate of the public transport - date and time the incident happened, and - address of the establishment or the route of the public transport. . . . Republic Act 9211 or the Tobacco Regulation Act prohibits "smoking in public places like hospitals and clinics, schools, elevators and stairwells, public facilities including airports and train stations, and food preparation areas." ... Zambo Norte gov bats for smoke-free workplace Government officials, employees banned from dealing with industry GOVERNMENT officials and employees have been prohibited to interact with tobacco industry members under a joint circular issued by the Department of Health (DoH) and Civil Service Commission (CSC), pursuant to the government’s anti-smoking campaign. Under Joint Memorandum Circular 2010-01, government workers are banned to interact with any tobacco corporation or company, except "when strictly necessary for the latter’s effective regulation, supervision, or control." Health Secretary Esperanza I. Cabral, in an interview, said the memorandum is based on the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control signed in 2003, which the Senate ratified in 2005. Signatory states have committed to implement "public health policies with respect to tobacco control." ... NVizcaya gears up for public hearing on no-smoking ordinance Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya (June 17) -- Provincial officials here are now in the process of coordinating with various sectors in the province for the conducting of a public hearing and information dissemination activities in support to the recently-approved no-smoking ordinance. "We are at present coordinating with affected sectors so that we can implement this ordinance fully and properly," said board member Edgardo Balgos, one of the sponsors of the ordinance. Signed by Governor Luisa Cuaresma on May 25, 2010, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan ordinance No. 2010-049 entitled "An Ordinance Prohibiting Smoking in Certain Public Places Including Public Conveyances, Imposing Penalties for Violations Thereof and Providing Funds Therefore", was anchored on the provision of the 1987 Constitution, mandating the state to protect the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them; the Republic Act 7160 of the Local Government Code of 1991's promotion of the general welfare of its constituents to include among others, the promotion of their health and safety; Section 24 of Republic Act 8749 or the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 which prohibits smoking inside enclosed public places, public vehicles and LGUs are directed by law to implement the provision; and section 5 of Republic Act 9211 or the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003 which prohibits smoking in certain public places whether enclosed or outdoors like centers of youth activity, public facilities and public conveyances. The ordinance defines public conveyances as a mode of transport such as but not limited to jeepneys, buses, tricycles and other similar vehicles. ... Smoking in schools banned Starting this coming school year, nobody is allowed to smoke cigarettes or tobacco products inside the school premises. The announcement was made after the Department of Education (DepEd) instructed all principals and school heads to prohibit smoking inside the campus including open or covered spaces around school buildings. Education Secretary Mona Valisno said the DepEd order No. 73 or “Smoking Ban in Public Schools” which was released in June 4, ordered public schools to ban smoking in public schools effective immediately. “There have been existing DepEd orders on smoking ban but with this, we want to affirm that the schools – including the students, teachers, and non-teaching staff – are covered,” she said. Valisno ensured that the DepEd will be strict in implementing the smoking ban in all school premises “to protect our school children from inhaling second hand smoke.” She also instructed regional and division officials to oversee the implementation of this order in their respective school areas and territories. ... 'No Smoking' in Palace of Justice NO smoking in courts please. The Supreme Court made this request as it reiterated calls to avoid smoking inside public buildings after three lawyers were seen smoking inside the Public Information Office of the SC building in Ermita, Manila. The high court warned lawyers Brandon Domingo, Leo Felix Domingo, and Emiliana Helen Ubongen that a repetition of any prohibited smoking under the law and against internal court policies shall be dealt with more severely. ... 30-M Filipinos exposed to cigarette smoke at home Some 29.8 million Filipinos are exposed to cigarette smoke inside their homes, a national survey said, prompting health authorities to campaign against smoking even inside homes and in public places. The first Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) revealed that "almost half of Filipinos," or 48.8 percent of those who were surveyed, are inhaling tobacco smoke inside their dwellings while 54 percent, representing 32.9 million of the population reported that someone smokes inside their homes. The GATS 2009 gathered a total of 9,705 individuals 15 years old and above living in rural and urban areas nationwide. The number represents 61.3 million Filipinos in this age bracket. Interestingly, the knowledge, perception and attitude of the surveyed population on the ill effects of tobacco smoking were high. Ninety-four percent of them know that smoking causes serious diseases; 95.6 percent believe that smoking can cause lung cancer, 81.3 percent believe smoking can lead to heart attack, and 75.5 percent are aware that smoking can cause stroke. ... Smoking near pregnant women, children carries stiff penalties in ComVal NABUNTURAN, Compostela Valley – Smoking anywhere near pregnant women and children is now banned in this province and carries stiff penalties under a new code approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (provincial board). The provision is contained in the 58-page Children’s Code of Compostela Valley (ComVal) which was approved recently to uphold the rights of children to the protection of their health even during the prenatal period. “This (no smoking near pregnant women and children) is one of the unique provisions in our province. We recognize the right of the child even when it is still in the womb of its mother,” Board Member Carmen Zamora-Apsay told reporters at the Provincial Capitol last Monday. Violation tickets will be issued as a warning to first-time offenders. However, the second offense carries a fine of P5,000 and a third offense, qualifies the smoker to jail time. ... Smoking ban in gov’t premises cited by DoH A day after announcing that smoking highly increases the risk of developing lung cancer, Health Secretary Esperanza I. Cabral warned government employees and people transacting with government agencies to strictly adhere to the no-smoking rule in government premises or face disciplinary action as stipulated under the Civil Service Commission's Memorandum Circular No. 17, series of 2009. "In places providing services relating to health and youth activity, such as hospitals, health centers, schools, universities and colleges, smoking is absolutely prohibited and 'smoking areas' are not allowed," she said. Davao's anti-smoking ordinance cited by US group DAVAO CITY, Philippines – The city government continues to gain accolades for its anti-smoking ordinance, which is being implemented for the past seven years now. Dr. Domilyn Villareiz, head of the Anti-Smoking Task Force, said the latest award was handed by the US-based Global Smoke Free Partnership (GSFP). Villareiz said GSFP cited the city government for its exemplary leadership in implementing the ban on smoking in public places. The awarding rites were set for February. The GSFP award is the second international award for the anti-smoking ordinance, which has been in force here since November 2002. ... CSC issues 100% smoke free policy Davao City (6 January) -- In light of the hazards and harmful effects brought by smoking to people's health, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) issued a policy that encourages people to quit smoking for health reasons. CSC Memorandum Circular No. 17, series of 2009 dated May 29, 2009, declares 100% SMOKE FREE POLICY and SMOKING PROHIBITION in all areas of government premises, building and grounds, except for open spaces designated as smoking areas. This is to ensure a healthy and productive workforce. A "smoking area" refers to an outdoor space designated by the head of the agency that meets the following requirements: .... Bid made to give more teeth to QC no-smoking regulations To ensure the strict implementation of the no-smoking regulations in designated areas, a Quezon City councilor proposed the creation of a task force that will also conduct educational awareness campaigns, information dissemination schemes and capacity-building programs. Delarmente, who is a medical doctor by profession, said second-hand smoke inhalation is dangerous especially if inhaled by infants and small children. She disputed Rodriguez's claim that her proposal seeks to totally ban smoking in public establishments, saying her measures merely seeks stronger enforcement of the no-smoking regulations in non-designated smoking areas. ... Davao City smoking ban gains world recognition DAVAO CITY – The city government’s stiff campaign against smoking here has gained global recognition for its commitment to promote smoke-free policies. This, as the Global Smoke-free Partnership (GSP) recently announced its winners for this year, with the Davao City Anti-Smoking Task Force winning in the governmental body category. In a statement sent to Manila Bulletin on Thursday through fax, GSP said the city’s anti-smoking task force came out on top for its “exceptional leadership and commitment to further smoke-free policies by a governmental agency.” GSP is an international organization formed to promote effective smoke-free air policies worldwide. The partnership is a fusion of American Cancer Society and the Framework Convention Alliance to bring the World Hearth Federation and International Union Against Cancer and other organizations to advocate for and reinforce anti-tobacco policies. Since 2002, it is unlawful to smoke or allow smoking in public buildings, vehicles, enclosed areas and other areas that the local government designated as non-smoking places in this city. ... 20 percent of Metro heart attacks due to passive smoke MANILA, Philippines—Second-hand smoke causes over 20 percent of the number of heart attacks in Metro Manila, officials from the Department of Health (DoH) said on Monday. One to seven hours of weekly exposure to second-hand smoke increases the number of heart attacks or acute myocardial infarction by 10 percent and a weekly exposure of 21 hours in turn raises the number of heart attacks by 20 percent, said DoH Secretary Francisco Duque III quoting an international study. The study from the World Lung Foundation and International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union) also found that over 50 percent of Filipinos in Manila are exposed to second-hand smoke daily—meaning there is a high likelihood of regular exposure to passive smoking, said Duque. The health secretary added heart attacks and circulatory systems diseases—the top two killer diseases in 2005 which caused over 130,000 deaths—are caused by exposure to second-hand smoking, a scenario that can be prevented if tobacco control ordinances are implemented and followed nationwide. ... Baguio wants to copy city's smoking ban DAVAO City garnered praises from Baguio City during the Baguio Centennial Sister Summit on August 31, City Councilor Rachel Zozobrado said Tuesday. The city's delegates -- Councilors Susana Isabel Reta, Louie John Bonguyan, Rachel Zozobrado, and Vice Mayor Sara Duterte -- presented the city to their best, said Zozobrado also committee on international relations chair. "The trip to Baguio City was an opportunity to showcase Davao City as an emerging premiere city of the country. It was also another manifestation of how we can achieve concrete benefits from sister city and twinning agreements," Zozobrado said. "We proudly presented to them our city's landmark legislations, such as the No Smoking Ordinance, the Firecracker Ban, the Tourism Code, the Women's Development Code, to name a few including the proposed Anti-Spitting Ordinance," Zozobrado said in her privilege speech. ... QC councilor wants 'more teeth' in anti-smoking law In a bid to toughen up the no smoking policy in the city, a Quezon City councilor proposed stricter penalties on violators. Councilor Dorothy Delarmente, a medical doctor by profession, said her proposed ordinance seeks to give the city government and other concerned authorities "more teeth" in collaring the violators of the smoking ban in public places and public utility vehicles (PUVs). Under her proposal, it shall be unlawful for any individual to smoke, and for any person in charge to allow smoking in all enclosed or partially enclosed public places and workplaces like bars and restaurants. ... Amlan implements first smoke-free ordinance in Region 7 Dumaguete City (17 July) -- The municipality of Amlan is implementing today (July 17) its smoke-free ordinance, the first in Negros Oriental and in the region. Amlan Mayor Bentham de la Cruz disclosed that said ordinance was approved this June by the Sangguniang Bayan of Amlan and is scheduled to be implemented today. Starting today, smoking is prohibited in public places in Amlan such as the public market, gymnasium, municipal hall and even the small tindahan. "Smokers can buy cigarettes in stores but they are prohibited from smoking in these places," said de la Cruz. The mayor stressed that smokers can continue smoking but not in public places and only in designated areas. ... Civil Service orders total smoking ban in all health facilities, schools The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has ordered a total smoking ban in all state health facilities, schools and universities. In a recently issued memorandum circular, the CSC also prohibited smoking in all other government premises, building and grounds, except in open areas designated as smoking areas. It likewise prohibited smoking in government vehicles and ordered ashtrays and other receptacles for dispensing cigarette butts removed from non-smoking areas. The CSC said the move aims "to ensure a healthy and productive workforce," and government workers caught violating the new rules "will be met with disciplinary action under civil service laws and rules." According to the CSC, the circular is based on Republic Act 9211 or the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003 and the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. ... Warning to smokers Two cities in Metro Manila have joined others in implementing a ban on smoking in public places contained in RA 9211 or the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003. Recently, Mandaluyong and Muntinlupa created task forces and launched campaigns to enforce the law, several years after the law was passed, but a welcome development anyway. Muntinlupa bars smokers from public places MANILA, Philippines -- Bad news for Muntinlupa City residents who are hooked on nicotine. Beginning this week, members of a task force created by the city government will be going around Muntinlupa to apprehend people who smoke in public places. According to the city public information office, the task force will help ensure that all public places in Muntinlupa, including city hall, plazas, roads and churches, will be smoke-free from now on. ... Second-hand smoke victims can fight back Annoyed by inhaling second-hand tobacco smoke? You have the right to tell the smoker to stop smoking or carry his habit elsewhere, antitobacco advocates Monday said. Some eight million residents of Metro Manila who are exposed to second-hand smoke weekly have expressed their frustration as reflected in a joint survey done by the government and by an international non-government organization committed to empowering governments in preventing and managing lung ailments, resulting from smoking. However, out of the 8.7 million people living in Manila who admitted they are upset when they inhale second hand smoke weekly, only eight percent have the courage to stand up and make known their frustrations. Maasin City dad launches smoking ban in public work places Maasin City (June 2) -- Maasin City Mayor Maloney Samaco launched the No Smoking Day yearly celebration during the Flag Ceremony program among the Maasin City hall employees last June 1 to initiate the campaign against smoking epidemic and for the people to claim their right to health and healthy living in the locality. The World Health Organization called for the celebration of World No Tobacco Day every year on 31 May. Mayor Maloney Samaco inculcated among the city hall employees to support in the implementation of smoking ban in public places especially within the vicinities of the city hall offices. However, that for a start, he will not be to keen for a total ban in smoking yet but will designate areas in public working places for a smoking area. He will urge the Sangguniang Panglungsod to study the legality and chances to increase cigarette taxes in the locality so as to discourage smoke users from buying expensive cigarettes. ... Aguilar: Smoking a no-no Las Piñas City Mayor Vergel Aguilar has called for full compliance with the ordinance that bans smoking in public, noting health concerns. “With the present economic crisis brought about by the global financial meltdown, to get sick is impermissible,” he said. City Ordinance 353-97 prohibits smoking in the premises of government offices, and owned/controlled corporations; private and public preparatory, elementary, high schools and colleges; private and public hospitals, medical and dental clinics, and laboratories; moviehouses and auditoriums; bakeshops and beauty parlors/salons; public comfort rooms/toilets; public transports; warehouses/bodegas; storerooms/stock rooms of flammable liquids or gas; carriers of explosives and combustible materials; and gasoline stations. |