DOH: LGUs to set penalties on smoke-free violations

LOCAL government units (LGUs) will be the ones to impose their respective penalties on those who will be found in violation of the nationwide smoke-free policy of the Duterte administration.

According to Department of Health (DOH) chief Paulyn Ubial, the forthcoming Executive Order (EO) to be issued by President Rodrigo Duterte does not include penalties for violators.

"Because we have local government autonomy, yan ay idi-discuss pa sa local governments para magpasa sila ng kani-kanilang ordinansa kung paano nila ipapatupad ang EO ng presidente," said Ubial in a TV interview.

Initially, however, Ubial said LGUs must make sure to include ecigarettes in their ordinances as it is provided for in the EO.

"Ang ipapatupad natin ay smoke-free public places so ang e-cigarettes ay kasama dyan kasi meron din silang binubugang smoke," said the health chief.

Earlier, Ubial disclosed that Duterte is expected to sign within the month an EO that shall implement a nationwide ban on smoking in public places.

The EO, Ubial said, is inspired by the Davao City ordinance that was passed during the time when Duterte was still its mayor.

As to its possible adverse effects to the sin tax collection, Ubial said they do not believe that it will result to a reduction of revenues. HDT/Sunnex