CITY OF TABUK, Kalinga (PIA) – – Smoking in public places including conveyances and sale of tobacco products to minors are no longer allowed in this province.
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan recently approved Provincial Ordinance No. 2017-015 or the comprehensive anti-smoking ordinance.
Except in duly designated smoking areas, the ordinance covers any person, public utility, government-owned vehicle or any other means of public transport for passengers, public building, public place, and enclosed areas outside of one’s private place of work.
The law requires posting of “NO SMOKING” signs in covered areas. Owners, heads of establishments and offices are also mandated to provide smoking areas. The Office on Health Services and the Provincial Engineering Office are tasked to inspect and certify the appropriateness of the designated smoking areas.
Stores are also mandated to post the warning: “IT IS UNLAWFUL FOR TOBACCO PRODUCTS TO BE SOLD TO OR PURCHASED BY PERSONS UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE”. No tobacco or cigarette advertisement shall be placed on tricycles, buses, jeepneys, vans or other conveyances plying Kalinga roads.
Violators will be penalized accordingly.
Meanwhile, to rehabilitate minors addicted to tobacco and safeguard others being duped to smoke, the Social Welfare Office with the active participation of stakeholders in the private sector shall conduct counseling sessions to keep them free from the unhealthy vice. **By Peter A. Balocnit
