Muntinlupa smoking ban starts today

Members of Muntinlupa Smoke-Free Task Force and deputized officers will start apprehending and giving citation ticket with fines to individuals smoking in public within the jurisdiction of Muntinlupa City today.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi urged the public to quit smoking in the city’s public places as the local government will begin full implementation of the local ordinance on smoking ban, in support of President Rodrigo Duterte’s executive order.

The Muntinlupa city government trained personnel and commercial establishments safety officers to enforce Ordinance 17-072 or the Comprehensive Smoke Free Ordinance of the city.

Public information officer Tez Navarro said deputized officers will roam the city especially in business parks and transportation terminals.

Roads and parks in subdivisions and villages are not exempted from the smoking ban.

Navarro also clarified that retail selling of tobacco products, particularly in streets and sidewalks without permit is prohibited.

Under the ordinance smoking tobacco products including electronic nicotine delivery systems such as e-cigarette (vapes) or e-shisha is prohibited in places accessible to the public regardless of ownership, workplaces, government facilities, outdoor areas where people gather, except for designated smoking areas compliant with LGU standards.

Violators will be penalized with citation tickets and fines up to P2,500 or eight hours community service for smoking and up to P5,000 or 14 hours community service for violation of sales restriction and advertising ban.

While penalties shall be effected today, SFTF spearheaded by the city health office and Muntinlupa police launched Oplan Sita last September.

Muntinlupa police chief SSupt Dante Novicio said they have given citation tickets without fines to around 400 violators in Oplan Sita.

To report individuals smoking in public places, contact city health office at 9356824 or send a message at fb.com/officialmuntinlupacity.