On Sunday, President Rodrigo Duterte, reminded the public about the executive order on smoking ban which he will soon sign.Before leaving for a state visit in Brunei, Duterte reiterated during a press conference that smoking will be banned even in designated indoor smoking areas.
"Yes, [the EO on smoking ban] will be [signed] and will follow the Davao experience. If you want to smoke, find a place where it is allowed," he said.
The president already informed the public about the ban during the presidential elections.
"That ain't the way. It must be out. It's not in a cubicle inside the building," he added.
Duterte first implemented the ban in Davao City wherein both outdoor and indoor public areas are smoke-free. Because of this, the city was recognized as a prominent example in enforcing a no-smoking rule in the Philippines.
The president asserted: "There is no debate that you will die of cancer if you continue using nicotine."
Health Assistant Secretary Eric Tayag said smoking is okay in isolated and non-public areas.
"Sa tabi-tabi, sa likod ng mga building na walang public," he said.
Tayag also said the EO might include prohibiting vaping or e-ciggarettes in public places.
"Ang marketing niyan ay para mag-quit smoking subalit ang kabaligtaran ang nangyayari, nagkakaroon sila ng karanasan sa paggamit ng iba't ibang uri ng vaping hanggang sa mauwi sa pinagbabawal o addicting substances," he said.
Local government units will also be deployed to ensure that the EO will be followed by citizens or be arrested otherwise.
Tayag said that the EO will give health benefits for the Filipinos as smoking and second-hand smoking is extremely harmful with possibilities of heart diseases, stroke, and cancer.
