Group leader appeals to Duterte: Mimic Davao anti-smoking rule

Among the major provisions of the Davao City anti-smoking ordinances include prohibiting the puffing of cigarettes, tobacco, shisha (waterpipe), e-cigarettes, or similar devices in public.

THE New Vois Association of the Philippines (NVAP) encouraged President Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday to simply replicate what he did in Davao City in curbing smoking by adopting in on a nationwide scale.

According to NVAP president Emer Rojas, they do not see any reason for Duterte to have a hard time coming out and implementing a nationwide smoking ban since he has already done it during his time as mayor.

“The President needs to look no further than the model he put in place in Davao City in prohibiting smoking as it has already been recognized by the World Health Organization as an effective smoke-free policy,” said Rojas.

Among the major provisions of the Davao City anti-smoking ordinances include prohibiting the puffing of cigarettes, tobacco, shisha (waterpipe), e-cigarettes, or similar devices in public.

The no smoking policy of Davao City also provides that the open-space smok- ing areas must have prominent “smoking area” sign displayed, coupled with posters warning of the illeffects of smoking.

Rojas said by simply replicating the Davao City model, they are hoping that they can soon see a nationwide “no smoking” policy being implemented as promised by Duterte.

“We are hopeful that a comprehensive nationwide smoke-free policy be adopted soon in order to provide immediate protection to the people’s health against the ills brought by smoking,” Rojas said.

The anti-smoking advocate said having a nationwide smoking ban would also shield non-smokers from second-hand smoke. (Sunnex)