Ubial: Ban on Smoking in Public Places Starts on July 23

The nationwide ban on smoking in public places will be implemented on July 23 and not July 22, Health Secretary Dr. Paulyn Ubial reiterated on Wednesday.

“The EO (Executive Order 26) states it should take effect 60 days after its publication (in a newspaper),” Ubial said in an interview, noting that they are correcting the date after Malacañang Palace clarified that the EO was published last May 24.

The EO is implementable without the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR), she said, adding that further announcements will be made as the date draws near.

EO 26, signed by President Rodrigo Duterte last May 16, prohibits smoking in “enclosed public places and public conveyances”, except in designated smoking areas (DSAs). Smoking areas should be inaccessible to non-smokers, especially minors, to protect them from second-hand smoke.

According to the EO, DSAs shall not be located within 10 meters from entrances, exits or any place where people pass or gather.

Each building should have only one DSA, which should prominently display a “Smoking Area” sign and graphic health warnings on the effects of tobacco use.

There should be no DSA in “centers of youth activity”, such as playschools, preparatory, elementary and high schools, colleges and universities, youth hostels and recreational facilities for minors; elevators and stairwells; areas with fire hazards, such as gas stations and storage for flammable liquids, gas, explosives or combustible materials; hospitals, medical, dental and optical clinics, health centers, nursing homes and laboratories; and areas where food is prepared.

The EO calls on all cities and municipalities to “form a local Smoke-Free Task Force to help carry out the provisions of the Order”.

It also directs members of these task forces and the police to apprehend violators.

This law, which was inspired by the ordinance in Davao City, proves the president’s political will, Ubial said. (Leilani S. Junio/PNA)