Philippines tightens smoking ban

MANILA // A Philippine ban on smoking in public places received broad support yesterday, with anti-tobacco activists hailing it as a victory and some smokers saying they were now prepared to kick the habit.

Even an industry lobby group, the Philippine Tobacco Institute, said it supported the regulation and acknowledged the health objectives.

An executive order setting strict guidelines on designated smoking areas was signed by president Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday after it was delayed from last year because of corporate resistance.

The law takes effect 60 days after its publication in newspapers.

“This is a victory for us,” said Maricar Limpin, executive director of Action on Smoking and Health Philippines. “This highlights the need to protect the people from the harsh exposure to second-hand smoke.”

The order imposes an “absolute ban” in schools, petrol stations, hospitals, food preparation areas and stairwells, health officials said. The Philippines has a ban on tobacco advertising . Mr Duterte’s predecessor, Benigno Aquino, introduced hefty taxes on smoking.

These measures have reduced smoking rates. About 23.8 per cent of the adult population smoked in 2015, down from 28.3 per cent in 2009, according to government surveys. People who smoke in banned areas will now face a fine of 500 pesos ( Dh36.7) for a first offence, rising to a maximum of 10,000 pesos for a third strike.