MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, June 6 (PIA) -- The local government unit of Marawi has approved an ordinance to strengthen the anti-smoking drive here.
City Ordinance Number 017, series of 2011, or the Comprehensive Anti-Smoking Ordinance of the Islamic City of Marawi imposes a citywide ban on smoking in public utility vehicles, government-owned vehicles or any other means of public transport for passengers.
Authored by Kagawad Abdani T. Alonto, Chairperson of the Sangguniang Panglungsod (SP) Committee on Health, the ordinance also restricts smoking in restaurants, office establishments, public buildings, public places, enclosed public places, or in any enclosed area outside of one’s private residence and private places of work.
However, it allows designated smoking rooms or areas where a person is permitted to smoke, provided that any duly designated smoking rooms or areas shall be enclosed to protect non-smokers from inhaling second-hand smoke.
Alonto disclosed that violators of the ordinance shall be subject to a fine of not less than P500 or more than P2,000 or imprisonment of not less than one (1) month or more than six (6) months or both at the discretion of the court.
Also, in cases when proprietors or owners of establishments do not enforce and warn violators of the ordinance or fail to report violators, they will be charged with a penalty of:
Php300 or one (1) month of imprisonment or both at the discretion of the court on first offense.
Php500 or two (2) months of imprisonment or both at the discretion of the court on second offense and P1,000 or four (4) months of imprisonment or both at the discretion of the court on third and subsequent offenses.
The city ordinance, Alonto said, supports Republic Act No. 9211 and Civil Service Commission Memorandum Circular No. 17 which adopts a 100% smoke-free policy and smoking prohibition in all areas of government premises, buildings and ground, except in designated smoking areas to ensure a healthy and productive workforce.
On the other hand, RA 9211 otherwise known as the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003 regulates the packaging, use, sale, distribution and advertisements of tobacco products. (PIA-10)
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